Bernice White passed away at her home in Missoula on April 16, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born Feb 12, 1931, in Missoula, attended Cold Springs School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1949. Bernice made life-long friends at both schools.

While in high school she was a telephone switchboard operator for Bell Telephone. Mom was certain that her school class in Salesmanship helped her to get the job. She enjoyed this job, but getting to and from work was difficult, and she ultimately had to quit.

Mom often mentioned that her parents got a loan for $1,000.00 to buy their 260-acre farm at Blue Mountain (where the Peak Health Club is now). Growing up on the family farm, she learned the value of hard work at a young age, helping with daily chores, despite her challenges with asthma

She often said she couldn’t wait to leave the farm-and leave she did. Shortly after graduating from high school, she married Harvey Schmautz, and together they raised 3 sons.

In the early years, the family followed Harvey’s railroad work, at times living in an “outfit car.” She often recalled celebrating her first son’s birthday with a cake and a single candle while sitting on the railroad tracks—a simple but meaningful moment that reflected those early years. After Harvey founded Liberty Construction, the family eventually settled west of Missoula, where Bernice created a warm home filled with family gatherings, a large garden, and fruit trees.

Her life changed suddenly with the tragic loss of her husband, leaving her to navigate the challenges of raising her sons and closing the family business. Through resilience and determination, she moved forward and later discovered a love of travel. She explored much of the western United States and Hawaii, and traveled abroad to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1983, she married Vern White, and together they continued traveling until his passing in 1997.

Bernice was known for her strength, independence, generosity and deep love for her family and friends. She was caring and generous, yet strong-willed and determined—a combination that carried her through life’s many challenges.

She especially cherished time with her grandchildren—Jeff, Emily, Ryan, Sarah, and Annie Schmautz. Bernice would tell you very clearly that she had 2 other grandchildren, Matthew, and Katie Brownlow—and spoke of all of them often with great pride.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Anna Wornath; her first husband, Harvey Schmautz; her second husband, Vern White; and her sister, Winifred “Winnie” Maier.

Bernice is survived by her three sons and their families: Lyle (Laurel) Schmautz; Greg (Sue Brownlow Schmautz); and Curt (Ava Wong) Schmautz; and her brother, Richard (Vickie) Wornath of Vancouver, Washington. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, with a reception to follow.