Bonnie (Gearou) Butler

Bonnie Dee (Gearou) Butler, 88, formerly of Hillsboro, ND, passed away on May 4th, 2021 in her daughter’s home under the care of hospice. Bonnie was a gentle spirit with a genuine heart full of love for her family and friends. Her effervescent nature, joyful heart, quick wit, and twinkling eyes will be remembered fondly by all. She was known for her hugs as she hugged with her soul. Bonnie Dee Morton came into the world full of fortitude and resilience, qualities she carried with her throughout her life. She was born pre-mature in the middle of a massive blizzard on January 29th, 1933 to Bert and Doris (McDowell) Morton in Velva ND. Her parents kept her alive in an oatmeal box on the stove for days until the snowstorm subsided. In 1941, her family moved to Bemidji, MN where she graduated high school in 1951. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Harold Gearou Jr. on July 11, 1953. Together they raised a family of 4 daughters in Hillsboro, ND where they owned Harold’s Café. Bonnie was a woman full of hospitality, her warm smile and sparkling eyes greeting all those who entered the café. She was often stopped 50 years later by people remembering her kind smile. It was said people enjoyed the food made by Harold but loved visiting with Bonnie the most. She especially extended her love for people on holidays. Knowing who would be alone, she would invite them to join her children and 9 grandchildren to celebrate at their home on Monkey Island. Bonnie was the heart and soul of the family-run Harold’s Café for 21 years until they retired in 1992. At Bonnie’s 50th class reunion in 2001, she reunited with an old classmate Roger Butler and married him a year later on June 1, 2002. As her family expanded with great grandchildren, so did her heart and zest for life. In her later years, Bonnie enjoyed tranquility at the lake, sitting quietly holding hands with her great-grandchildren, and coloring peacefully with them. Bonnie will be deeply missed. Her spirit will live on in every soul hug given by her family and friends. Bonnie was a Past President and lifetime member of the Auxiliary to Osmon Lane VFW Post 4172 in Hillsboro, ND. Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Cher (Ronald) Torgerson, Albertville MN; Yogini Barbara Joy, Grand Rapids MN; Diane (Richard) Svaleson, Fargo ND; Linda (Bob) Barclay, Dent MN. Grandchildren: Karen (Jeff) Caza, Lisa (Chris) Svaleson Herman, Ryan Nelson, Melissa (Evan) Amundson, Megan Nelson, Mike (Deanne fiancé) Svaleson, Amanda (Derby) Wiesen, Mackenzie (Corey) Grimm, and Matt Barclay. 10 great grandchildren, sister Mazie Roberts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Doris Morton, husbands Harold Gearou Jr. and Roger Butler, angel baby twin sons, brothers Irvin “Buck” Morton, Wayne “Mort” Morton, Bill Morton, and nephews Dick Morton and Kevin Morton. Bonnie's Video Tribute can be viewed below: