Yvonne Fisk Porter "Bonnie"
Yvonne "Bonnie" Fisk Porter, age 93, passed away Saturday, April 17, at the Billings Clinic. Bonnie was born January 5, 1917, in Wray, Colorado, the eldest daughter of Clinton B. and Ethel Fisk. She grew up in Greybull, Wyoming, the daughter of a jeweler. As a seamstress, hat designer and milliner, her mother gave Bonnie her artistic and creative side. In spite of the Great Depression, due to Bonnie's hard work she was privileged to attain a college degree in Education. It was at the University, of Wyoming in Laramie where she met a handsome, debonair guy she swore she'd never date again, Grant Chapin Porter, of Lovell, WY. They were married in 1938.
Bonnie taught in Shell, WY, at the "Little Stone School," while Grant finished his degree. After his graduation, she joined him in farming and ranching enterprises in Kane, the Pryor Mountains, and Washoe, MT, near Red lodge. In their first year together in Kane, Grant contracted typhoid fever, and was incoherent and delirious for months. Bonnie helped love him back to health.
It was on those ranches that the city girl learned to ride horses, deal with animal husbandry, and learn to "cowboy up." She canned- meat, fish and vegetables, chased chickens for slaughter, planted gardens, and learned to love the peace and solace of country living. Making a house a home in creative ways, she bloomed where planted, never complaining about moving or circumstances. They had three children: Lanning, Clinton and Janet who grew up in those secure surroundings.
Bonnie and Grant began building a summer home near Red Lodge in 1947. They hand-hewn the logs, gathered foundation and fireplace rocks, and worked together to create a beautiful peaceful gathering place for family and friends. Bonnie made sure that the light switches were low enough for their small kids to reach, and insisted that windows were large and went to the floor for them to view the forest, its animals, and nature. The cabin remains a monument to great work ethics and love of family and friends; a place for laughter, fun and rest.
The Porters moved to Billings from Washoe in 1950, and again, worked together to build their own beautiful home, where Bonnie lived until her passing. She had confidence that she could accomplish anything she truly desired - and she did!
Bonnie operated a private kindergarten, bringing quality early education to several hundreds of children during the next 33 years. She had great pleasure in seeing the wonderful successes and adventures of her "graduates." When she encountered them later in life and heard, "Mrs. Porter, you haven't changed a bit," she said to herself, “Oh no, I hope I didn't look like this when I was in my 30's and 40's!"
Bonnie owned antique shops in Billings, Red lodge, and Laurel. She acquired personal collections of wonderful antiques, quilts, art, and collectibles. She was a pioneer in the antique business and sought out artist friends wherever she went. She exposed her children to cultural events, fine music, art shows, and concerts.
Bonnie was 5-foot-two, eyes of blue, feisty, and full of vim. She has never met a stranger; she was full of advice, and quick witted. Her sense of humor moved her through many trials and tribulations. She never complained about circumstances and overcame illness and injuries with true grit and determination. She was honest and true, altruistic to a fault, giving, gracious, and loving. She endured gracefully to the end.
She was a sports enthusiast and self- appointed cheerleader for the UT Jazz. She could talk sports, players and coaches with the best of 'em. She proudly told stories about her being the high school pep squad leader, being thrown to the top of the pyramid, and other cheerleading feats. She was a great dancer and comedian. She loved to travel and was fortunate to travel to many foreign countries. She was a good sport as she traveled, never complaining, always awestruck, and loved all cultures.
Being an active member of her community was also important to Bonnie and she helped save many of Billings' landmarks and buildings. She was a member of the Chapter AS, P .E.O. From 1986 to 87 she served a mission in Arcadia, California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Grant passed away in 1979. Bonnie was also preceded in death by her two younger sisters, Doreen (Korell) of Billings and Leora (Grimes) of Citrus Heights, California. She is survived by her sons Lanning M. Porter (Gail) of Sandy UT, Clinton C. Porter of Red Lodge, and her daughter Janet E. Blankenship (Tom) of Billings; fifteen grandchildren and a whole bunch of great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and their children; "adopted daughter”, Janet Olson (Dick); Co- cheerleader for the UT Jazz, Georgia Blank; and friends too numerous to mention.
Bonnie walked into heaven Saturday, a good and faithful servant of her Lord.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Thursday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral serv9ces will be 11am Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3595 Monad Road. Interment services will be held 11:30am Saturday in the Lovell Cemetery.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
We still have some antique pictures on our wall at home from a purchase at Bonnie's Antique store she once owned in Laurel. We think of you both often with fond remembrances. May you remember all the good memories from your mother life to keep in your heart. A mother is wonderful blessing from God to be respected and honored. Our love and prayers to you Janet and for your family at this time. Jim-Kathy Bowman
What a blessing Bonnie has been to our family. When my daughter became ill she found a spot in her heart for my grandchildren. Bonnie became a big part of our families. She was always laughing and could sit and share many many stories with us. I looked to Bonnie as a mother (thank you Janet for sharing her) and my husband considered her a wonderful wonderful friend. Our Aunts grew up in the same generation as Bonnie so they had many stories to tell about the Depression. You never thought of it as hard times with the way they laughed and shared with each other. Like they said, they did not know they were poor. I feel very lucky that we were a big part of Bonnie's family. She will always be remembered by all of us. She had a special love for my grandkids and always saw something good in them. "Rock A Bye Baby" is one thing she shared with River. She always saw how smart both Jadie and Cheyenne were . She did not know Tierra as well but always said good of her. She was proud of our oldest James with how well he is doing in college. Education was a big part of Bonnie's life. We had the priveledge of going to their home in Red Lodge. I could not believe all the details and hard work that went into the home. I love it up there. I could go on and on about Bonnie and how much we loved her and will miss her. I think everyone feels the same. Thank you Janet for sharing your mom with myself and family. She is going to be missed.
We all love you
Harvey-Mona-and all the kids
Thank you for the wonderful story of your mother's love of life. She was was one of the most engaging people I have ever met. When I was around her, whether it was with Lanning, Clint, or my own mom she always made me feel like I belonged to her! She was indeed fisty, energetic, and unforgettable. I am blessed by having known her.
Bill Coddington
Janet & Clint~
What an incredible life your mother had!
Thinking of you ..
Melina Raitt Hawkins