Bernardine Eileen Felton

Bernardine Eileen Felton Brown (Hager), 82, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2025 in South Hill, WA. She was born Feb. 25, 1943 in Clifton, ND to George and Mary Hager (Vetter). Bernie grew up the youngest sibling of 5, farming and running the family store alongside her siblings Rummy, Caroline, Isabel, and Duaine. By her 20th birthday, Bernie had moved to Fargo and then Orange County, California to attend cosmetology school. There she met Ralph Felton, fell in love, got married, and moved to Billings, Montana in 1965 to start a family. It wasn’t until the age of 24, while pregnant, that Bernie obtained her driver’s license. On April 6th, 1968, she and Ralph welcomed their daughter, Rachelle Ann, after a complicated delivery that nearly took Bernie’s life. Not 4 years later, their son Jonathan Lane was born on January 22, 1972. She worked as a saleswoman and for the Billings School District for most of her career, but being a mother to her children was her favorite job. Camping, fishing, snow sledding, and visiting her hometown were just some of the activities she spent doing with her family, all while being an excellent homemaker and friend.

A few years after her divorce in 1985 she began a relationship with Gary Brown. They married in 1997 and remained partners for the rest of their lives. The couple spent most of their time together traveling in their RV, site seeing, visiting family across different states, and departed on a cruise through the Caribbean with numerous family members. After retiring, Bernie and Gary relocated to Washington to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

As the grandchild of German immigrants, Bernardine grew up speaking both German and English and cooking German dishes, paying tribute to her heritage. Bernie was always fond of working in her yard, tending to her flowers and garden, and watching science fiction shows. In addition to being an excellent baker, Bernie was creative, crafty, and could always appreciate a sweet treat and a Pepsi. An Elvis aficionado that rubbed off onto her daughter, together they were able to visit Graceland after years of desiring to do so. Though she valued time with family over material things, her 1978 Lincoln and a custom ring, a family heirloom, were her most prized possessions. Bernie made it a point to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives and was constantly smiling, laughing, playing, and looking forward to the next family gathering. A beautiful woman both inside and out, her strength and kindness will be remembered as the matriarch of her family.

Bernardine is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gary, siblings Rummy and Caroline, and sister in-law Eva. She leaves her sister Isabel Tessier (Maurice); brother Duaine Hager; daughter Rachelle Appolonia (Mark); son Jon Felton (Katie); grandchildren Dillon Felton (Janie), Jacob Felton (Megan), Savannah Compton, Joshua Compton, and Madison Felton; great-grandchildren Kassini, Castiel, and Kenzlee; several nieces and nephews; and beloved friends.

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