Rickie Bonnette

On Nov. 2, 1957, Rickie Bonnette was born in Pipestone, Minn., to Violet (Waddington) Holmes and Richard Waddington. She was raised by and very close to her stepfather Herbert Holmes. The family resided in Custer, S,D.
After her 18th birthday Rickie moved to Rawlins, Wyo., where she lived with her dear friends, Clifford and Thelma Davis. While there, she worked at a roller-skating rink where she met her first husband, Randy Bonnett. They were married in March 1977 and in 1978, their daughter, Tina, was born. Three and a half years later their son, Martin, was born.
In 1986, Randy and Rickie moved their family to Custer, where she resided until her passing.
Rickie was a hard worker and had many jobs after moving to Custer. She really liked working at  Colonial Manor. She also worked at motels and grocery stores before taking a job at Spring Valley Ranch. She worked there for about 20 years.
She did everything from bookkeeping to working cattle and fixing fence. While at the ranch, she was an active member of the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department. After she left the ranch, she began a job at Dairy Queen. That was a  job she loved and never wanted to leave. She loved the customers and her bosses.
Rickie enjoyed playing her guitar and dulcimer, hunting, camping and playing games. She loved playing cards with friends and family. Some of her favorite games were Yahtzee and Aggravation. She especially enjoyed playing them with her grandchildren. She enjoyed landscaping and gardening as well.
Martin and Rodney both recall more than one time where they were moving storage sheds or dog kennels for her until they were in the “perfect” place.
Tina, Martin and Mary Gayle would not be who they are or where they are in life without her support. She was always there for Tina and her many activities. She went to music shows and competitions to 4-H activities and rodeos to cheer Tina on. She supported Martin with his love for hunting, even making him biscuits and gravy before an early departure with a friend. She also enjoyed watching Martin in his wrestling matches. Mary Gayle can’t imagine where she would be without Rickie. She was such an encouragement for her with school and joining the Volunteer Fire Department.  Rickie was also always there for her grandkids.
Rickie was a very active person. She loved interacting with people and was an amazing hostess. She would cook huge meals and make beautiful cakes for holidays and birthdays. Everyone was invited. She had an open-door policy, and no one was a stranger.
This strong and amazing woman had a heart of gold. She was always there to help anyone in need and the glue to hold everyone together in tough times. Rickie often said that her family was her friends, friends her family and her life was her family. She will be greatly missed.
Rickie passed away Jan. 18, 2024. She was 66.
She was preceded in death by Randy Bonnette; her father, Richard Waddington; mother, Violet Holmes; stepfather, Herbert Holmes; brother, Richard Waddington; and her half-brother, Steve Kilber.
Rickie is survived by her daughters, Tina (Andy) Beecham, and Mary Gayle (Jamie) Cleveland; son, Martin (Kristy) Bonnette;  brothers, Rodney (Addie) Waddington and Rex (Kathy) Waddington; sister, Betty Tye; grandchildren, Stetson Beecham, Morgan Beecham, Dusty Beecham, Kenzi Beecham, Shelynd (Conner) Cumella, Cheyanne Carr, James Cleveland and Desiree (Danny) Hall; two great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.