Bonita Begay

Bonita Louise Littlebull Begay was born on September 7, 1943, to James Littlebull and Mable Jackson Littlebull. Bonnie Lou is what family called her by. She was raised by her grandmother, Mary and Jack Littlebull in Old Agency. Her grandmother raised her around the traditional ways. Bonnie was one of the few fluent Blackfeet speakers that we had left. She was one of seven children from Jim and Mable Littlebull. She attended primary school in Browning and graduated from Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD. She then moved to Los Angeles, CA., where she met her husband, Paul Begay (Diné). Paul and Bonnie married in 1967 and started their family. They had four children, Brenda Lee Begay, Donna Lynne Begay, Michael Allen Begay, and Paul Begay Jr. Bonnie and Paul raised their children in Los Angeles, CA., Browning, MT., then later settled in Many Farms, AZ. Where they purchased their first home. Bonnie worked many jobs, providing for her family was her greatest joy.

She worked for the Browning Indian Writing Company aka The pencil factory, then later found her calling in higher education. Bonnie worked for Navajo Community College now known as Diné College. She was the executive assistant to the college president, Dr. Russel. Bonnie lived in Arizona for nearly 20 years and made many friends and very much admired the Diné culture. She later relocated back to her homelands in Browning, MT where she began working for the Blackfeet Community College. She dedicated nearly 40 years to higher education. Learning and helping others were her greatest passion. Bonnie retired from the Blackfeet Community College in 2016 after guiding many community members to higher learning.

Along with her extensive career in higher education. Bonnie was the pillar to the family. She had what many would say a heart of gold. She was always there to lend her ear, support and love to anyone who came to her. Her heart was so big she gave where it was needed. She also had the best sense of humor and could make a quick joke out of any situation to bring laughter to your heart. Nothing was ever impossible as long as you had perseverance and faith, which she had an abundance of. Bonnie lived her life believing that we are always guided and protected by the Lord. Prayers are powerful, was always her reminder.

Bonnie was a strong matriarch and will be greatly missed, but she left a strong legacy of strength, kindness and love. The greatest gift to all. She is joined in the afterlife by her husband, Paul Begay Sr., her four children, Brenda, Petey, Mike and Oliver. Her grandson, Clifford Begay, her parents, Jim and Mable Jackson Littlebull, her siblings, Jerome (John Pete) Littlebull, Virgil (Rocky) Littlebull, Eula (Babygirl) Littlebull, Roy Littlebull, and June (Baby) Littlebull, her grandparents and Jack and Mary Middle Calf Littlebull, Louie and Annie Sure Chief Jackson. She was also greeted by her many family members and friends that she kept dear.