Mollie Marie Howard entered this life June 27, 1940 in Dehaven Place, Sioux County,
Nebraska. She was the second daughter in a family of three girls born to Ruth Soper
and Leslie "Jim" Howard. Her older sister was Patricia Ruth, the younger Rebecca Sue.
Mollie attended elementary in a county school in Sioux County Nebraska and high
school in Harrison Nebraska. She received training in a normal school after high school
graduation. Mollie then taught in a small county school from 1957 to 1959. During this
period she met and married Ralph "Butch" Bonner. Later that year they went to work for
the Wyoming Fish and Game Department, and moved to Speas Station. In 1961 they
moved to the Auburn Fish Hatchery. They were there until 1966 when they relocated to
the Ten Sleep, Wyoming Hatchery for seven years. In 1973 they returned to the Auburn
location and worked for another 19 years retiring in 1994 near Afton, Wyoming. Butch
and Mollie had three children, Leslie Ann, Wade Allen, and Jessica Ruth. Mollie had an
eye for beauty and her home was lovely. Mollie was a vibrant active individual. She did
cross country skiing and always walked. She was engaged with her environment and
her neighbors. She was a beautiful, modest and humble woman who cared and loved
fiercely. She spread her caring not only to her family but through her church and
community. When they came to the Auburn Fish Hatchery, Verd and Patricia Erickson
and Boyd and Maureen Richens helped them unload their belongings. They became
lifelong friends. Mollie was a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in several Relief Society Presidencies. She
worked with Shirley Taylor, Patricia Erickson and Lawanna Campbell. Butch referred to
them as the "four musketeers. They enjoyed great friendships and good times. Shirley
would have a brainstorm about some upcoming event and Mollie would respond
"Shirley, that is just great, just don't put me in charge."
None the less, Mollie was fun loving, joyous and a hard worker. She was great to be
around. Approximately 30 years ago while in Nebraska for a high school reunion, Mollie
suffered a major stroke. This was a hugely life-changing event. Mollie endured this
situation with her patient grace, attended to by her loving, loyal devoted husband. What
an amazing partner. She spent several years as a resident of Legacy Homes in
Thayne, to ensure she received the careful attention Butch felt she needed. He visited
Mollie almost every day.
Butch and Mollie lost both of their sweet daughters to cancer. First Jessica in 2010 and
then Leslie on October 4, 2025 This affected Mollie greatly and she missed and
mourned Jessica every day, then the tragedy of losing Leslie. One can only imagine the
fabulous, joyous Thanksgiving morning reunion on the other side of the veil. Rest in
peace dear Mollie, you are loved.

Mollie is survived by her husband, Ralph "Butch" Bonner, her son Wade Allen, son in
law Gary Nowak and her grandchildren Adrian (Hillary) Nowak, Brian (Kylie) Nowak,

Gage (Amanda) Nowak, Makenzy (Austin) McDaniel and great-grandchildren Juniper,
Conner, Destry, Gracelynn and Finnan.