Bonnie Ruth Flesch

Bonnie Flesch of Conrad, Montana, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 83 in Helena, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 19, at 1:00 pm at Conrad First Presbyterian Church.

Bonita Ruth McKechnie was born on January 29, 1943, in Shelby, Montana, to Jim and Ruth (Blackford) McKechnie. The middle child of three, she grew up alongside her older brother, Harlan, and younger sister, Eileen, in the family’s Dunkirk post office and general store.

Bonnie began school at the age of five in the one-room Dunkirk schoolhouse before attending Shelby High School, where she graduated in 1960. She always felt blessed to have the parents she did and remembered her childhood as perfect. Some of her fondest memories included attending Sunday school at the Shelby United Methodist Church and going to country dances throughout the surrounding communities. As an active 4-H member, she raised Hereford steers for the fair and formed lifelong friendships. Her love of music also led her to play in a country dance band with her brother, Harlan, and friend Jack Wigen.

During her sophomore year of high school, Bonnie met the love of her life, Leroy Flesch. The two were inseparable and married on February 13, 1961, beginning a life together rooted in faith, love, family, and hard work.

Bonnie and Leroy first settled on a farm north of Shelby, where they welcomed their three children, Gary, Lisa, and Lea. The family later moved to a ranch north of Browning and eventually to a ranch near Kevin, where Bonnie cherished her time. Family was always at the heart of Bonnie’s life, and she devoted herself to creating a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Throughout their marriage, they owned and operated several businesses, including the roller-skating rink in Shelby and the Town and Country Grocery in Sunburst. They later owned and operated the Sports Club in Shelby before moving to Great Falls, where Bonnie worked at a law firm. The couple then moved to Helena, where Bonnie worked at the Attorney General’s office until her retirement in 2006. Following her retirement, they returned to the Conrad area to care for her parents.

A woman of strong faith, Bonnie kept God at the center of her life. She loved attending church on Sundays and volunteering wherever she could. Music remained a lifelong passion. She enjoyed playing the piano and always hoped to learn to play the banjo. She also loved attending and helping at the local jazz festivals, where her appreciation for music and people came together. Bonnie had a special love for Hereford cattle, enjoyed working in her yard and spending time outdoors. Whether tending her flower beds, visiting with friends, or lending a helping hand, Bonnie found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Bonnie’s greatest pride and joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her family brought her immeasurable happiness. Her quick wit and memorable expressions were such a part of who she was that her family often joked about writing a book of “Bonnie-isms” to preserve her unforgettable sayings.

Eight years ago, Bonnie suffered the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Leroy, whom she missed dearly. In the years that followed, her family remained close by her side. She spent the last couple of years with her family. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Bonnie was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, Leroy Flesch; her parents, Jim and Ruth McKechnie; and her brother, Harlan McKechnie.

She is survived by her three children, Gary (Lois) Flesch, Lisa (Alan) Snell, and Lea (Jay) Peterson; her grandchildren, Meaghan Peterson, Paul (Allyssa) Peterson, Amanda (Trevor) Sieler, Adam Snell, and Chris (Tess) Rognrud; and her great-grandchildren, Rhyatt Peterson, Leo Sieler, Dean Rognrud, and Christe Rognrud. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen (Don) Pettigrew.

Bonnie will be remembered for her loving heart, quick wit, warm smile, unwavering faith, and devotion to family. The kindness she shared, the lives she touched, and the laughter she brought to those around her will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.