Carol 'Footie' (Bates) Bonness

Carol Bonness was born January 11, 1943 in Plains, MT. She grew up in Plains, and attended Plains High School. Carol married Ken Grazier and had two sons: Lance and Sean. She was given the nickname “Footie” because she walked around barefoot all of time.

Footie enjoyed nature, hummingbirds, her garden flowers, and creating art and music. She was a musician in The Silver River Band, where she sang, played guitar, and even made a record. She could cook enough for a small army, and always from scratch.

She married Dan Bates (Plains) a lifelong friend, in 1994. The two spent 3 years in Alaska, and later moved back to Montana together. They enjoyed taking care of their garden, playing with their dog, and spending quality time together.

Footie is survived by her husband Dan Bates, sister Patty Valentine, her children Sean, Lance, Roxie, Linda, Kitty, and Randy. Grandchildren Jason, Amanda, Amber, and Buddy, as well as many great grandchildren.

Please join us in honoring Footie’s memory on Saturday April 22nd, 2017. Her celebration of life will be held at the VFW in Plains from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Please contact Amanda Moseley (Grazier) or Amber Scrupps (Grazier) if you have any questions.