Leona Mae Kent, 84 of Bozeman passed away September 21, 2018.
Leona was born November 29, 1933, to Harley and Pheobe Mae (Chapman) Kent. She grew up on ranches in South Cottonwood and on Middle Creek.
In 1951 she married James Lees, they had two children, Elizabeth, and James. They later divorced.
Leona married William “Bill” Berninger in 1962 and they had 2 daughters, Michelle and Marci.
She had a lifelong love of horses, fishing, cooking, and gardening. She loved raising big gardens for canning, freezing, and baking for the family. Leona grew beautiful flowers and even grew test roses for Jackson Perkins. Her favorite job was at Milam’s Greenhouse. She always cooked enough for a threshing crew and there was always room for one more at the table.
Leona and Bill ran a bread business for many years and she was the bookkeeper. She also worked for a local newspaper as a typesetter. She cared for Bill when he became ill. Leona married several times after Bill passed away, and traveled and fished.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Luella; husband, Bill, and son Jimmy.
Survivors include Beth Cunning of Powell, WY, Michelle Berninger and her partner Dan Talkington of Frannie, WY, Marci and Jerry Kraft of Bozeman, 4 granddaughters and 5 great-grandchildren and her two little dogs.
A graveside service will be held October 6, 2018, at 1 P.M. at Meadowview Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
