Bonnie Marie Clay

 Our Mom, Bonnie Clay, 84, passed away on 12/6/23 of COVID-19 at Banner Health, Casper, WY.  She was born Bonnie Marie Compton on 12/18/38 in Deer Lodge, MT to Melvin and Della Compton.  She was the third child and second daughter in a family of eleven, which included nine brothers.  She helped raise her eight younger brothers.  

  Some of Mom’s fondest memories were of attending high school in Ronan, MT.  The highlight of her high school experience was attending school dances.  

  On 8/13/57, she married Roger Clay in Butte, MT.  They had four children, Karen, Teresa, Dale, and Shannon.  They were married 25 years, and she became a widow on 8/21/82.

  Our Mom was such a wonderful cook and baker that she turned her talent into a career and retired in 2000 after almost two decades in the field.  One of her greatest delights was sharing her recipes and cooking tips with her three daughters.

  Mom loved to reminisce about family history with her children, especially Shannon, who took such wonderful care of her for most of her life.  She enjoyed traveling with her daughters and the light of her life, her shih tzu, Gizmo. During Gizmo’s 15 years of life, he and Mom created so many incredible memories together.   Each summer, Mom, Teresa and occasionally Gizmo, took special road trips together traveling throughout Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and even Las Vegas.  These were some of Mom’s favorite times with Teresa.  

  Mom is survived by her four children, Karen (Tony) Hayden of Gillette, WY, Teresa (Ron) Gilreath of Roundup, MT, Dale (Marjorie) Clay of Sheridan, WY, and Shannon Clay of Casper, WY.  Three grandchildren, Roger, Christian, and Tye and one great grandchild, Lita, all of Sheridan, WY.  Two brothers, Ray Compton of Gillette, WY and Ricky Clay of Kalispell, MT.

  Mom was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her parents, seven brothers and one sister.  Also, her precious Gizmo on 10/17/23. 

  Cremation has taken place at Bustard’s Funeral Home in Casper, WY and services will be held at a later date in Ronan, MT

  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Casper Humane Society in Casper, WY or Animal Rescue in your area, or adopt a fur baby.  

  As a final request from her three daughters, who love our Mom with all of our hearts, please strongly advocate for your family member in any retirement facility.  You’re their voice.