Bonnie Ann Kautz Presley
After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Bonnie Ann Kautz Presley died peacefully at TenderNest Assisted Living on January 14, 2021 in Billings, MT at the too young age of 71.
Bonnie was born on August 7, 1949 in Tucson, AZ to James and Margaret Kautz. Her father was in the U.S. Airforce and stationed there at the time. She was named for a dream her mother had about the song “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.” Bonnie was very special as she was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. She grew up on a farm in Worden, MT with her sister, Susan, and her two brothers, Jim and Dan.
As the oldest child, Bonnie could be daring and sometimes liked to push limits. Her siblings learned by the precedents she set. The siblings loved to play outside on the farm, go for drives with their parents, and visit family members. Bonnie was especially close to her sister as they were growing up. They shared the same double bed all the way through high school!
She graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1967. In high school, she was both a good student and a “social butterfly.” She participated in student council, choir, pep club, yearbook staff, and class plays. She was also voted Sweetheart Ball Queen and loved being a cheerleader. She was proud of the fact that she could still do the splits into her late 50s!
She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Smiedala, also in 1967. They had three children Stacey Evan, Annette Renae, and Timothy Richard. They raised their family in Billings and enjoyed watching and supporting their children in all of their activities. Her children were taught to work hard, be respectful, and reach for their goals. Among other things, her children will remember Bonnie as a very strong, loving, and hard-working person. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will never be forgotten!
Later in life, Bonnie married Charles Mueller. They loved to travel and care for their house and yard. Besides being a doting mom, Bonnie worked several jobs throughout her life. Some of these included customer service clerks, medical secretary, administrative assistant, and school bus driver. Most recently, Bonnie worked for many years as a middle school paraprofessional in both Helena and Billings. This was a position she was passionate about. She really connected with this age group, and the students adored her.
She had many talents and interests. Bonnie definitely had the “gift of gab!” She was a people person and would make friends wherever she went. At 5’2”, she could get lost in a crowd, but with her fun and friendly personality, she managed to stand out instead. People enjoyed Bonnie’s company and friendship. She loved sitting on her porch, having coffee with friends and family, and chatting for hours and hours. Bonnie was known to be the best storyteller!
It was very important to Bonnie that everything was perfect. She was a “neat freak!” Her homes were always beautiful, and she took great pride in that. This transferred to her yards, her cars, and her appearance as well. She had a knack for interior design, and it became a big hobby for her. She also loved to shop, read, spoil her dogs, and “Sweat to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons. She was active in her churches over the years, too. Family members would say Bonnie made the best peach pie, goulash, and homemade dinner rolls!
Spending time with her children and grandchildren was the most important thing to Bonnie. She looked to her son, Stacey, for advice and guidance. She trusted him with anything and was very thankful for their relationship. Bonnie shared a love of music and her creative spirit with her son, Tim. They were two “peas in a pod” with their common interests. Her daughter,Annette, was her best friend. They would talk each and every day and supported each other through all of life’s events, both good and bad. She will be desperately missed!
Her grandchildren loved to tease “Grandma Bonnie,” and she loved to play games with them and watch them in their music programs and sporting events as they were growing up. She had a special bond with her grandson, Mikel. They had a playful and loving relationship and could always make each other laugh.
Elvis was very important to Bonnie. Over the years, she talked her friends and her daughter, Annette, into going to several Elvis impersonator shows. She was proud of the fact that she had gotten to visit Graceland on at least 5 different occasions, and she had even met some of Elvis’ extended family members. She loved to read about Elvis, watch his movies, collect memorabilia, and of course, dance to his music! Bonnie was an excellent dancer. You will make it to Graceland again someday, Mom!
Bonnie is survived by her three children Stacey Smiedala of Helena, MT, Annette Julian (Mark) of Billings, MT, and Tim Smiedala (Mona) of Olympia, WA; her 7 grandchildren Morgan, Josey, Carly, Mikel, Maggie, Ahsha, and Bodhi; sister Susan Sherman (Pat), sisters-in-law Sherrie Kautz and Susan Kautz, and numerous nieces, nephew, cousins and other extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Margaret Kautz, brothers James Kautz and Daniel Kautz, and godson and nephew Kurt “Cubby” Kautz.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd, at Smith’s Downtown Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th Street, with a reception to follow after. All are welcome to come and celebrate Bonnie’s life. Please wear a mask, and you are encouraged to wear yellow, Bonnie’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cubby’s Closet at 555 West E. Road, Huntley, MT 59037. Condolences can be sent to Annette Julian at 1262 Twin Lakes Dr., Billings, MT 59105.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at TenderNest Assisted Living for the
unwavering attention, patience, and love that they gave to Bonnie over the years and to Stillwater Hospice for her end of life care.
