Honora Katherine "Nonie" Bisch

Honora “Nonie” Bisch passed away at home on January 5th, 2026, after an extended illness. Nonie was born to Margaret (Kelly) and William Gaughan on December 30th, 1947, in Butte. She was the “baby” of the 5 Gaughan children. Nonie attended St. John’s Elementary School and Butte High School, graduating in 1965. In her early years, she worked for the Montana Standard and the FBI. Nonie married Ted Bisch on June 20th, 1970, at St. John’s Catholic Church where she had been a lifelong member, up until its closing. After the arrival of their three children, she stayed home to raise them and to care for her parents. She ran a small materials testing business for a few years and would take her mother and children along for the ride when she went to pick up gravel samples at construction sites. Nonie was a cheerful giver and a willing servant. She filled her time volunteering at the Butte Food Bank, setting up receptions after funerals and making lunches for those in need. She also made thousands of rosary beads for U.S. Soldiers, prisoners and people in poor countries. Nonie’s home was always open to her family. Nieces, nephews, as well as grandnieces and grandnephews were always welcome with a supply of candy awaiting them. She was playful with kids and adults alike who came to her home. In the summer when her kids were small and later when her yard was filled with grandkids, she was happy to join in a water fight, usually with her commanding the hose while the kids screamed and giggled. Nonie was preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret, her husband Ted, brothers Jack and Bill Gaughan, sisters Peggy Edgell and Rosemary Yavarow. Nonie is survived by her three children and their spouses, John (Mary) Bisch, Toni (Mike) Byrne and Micki (Trevor) Mattson. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jake (Kyra) Bisch, Korin, Kelly, Gracie and Hank Mattson, Ryan and Brendan Byrne. Cremation has taken place. Parish vigil service with a rosary will be conducted Wednesday evening, January 14th in St Ann Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday morning at 11o’clock in church and her family will receive friends beginning at 10 o’clock Thursday morning. Interment with rite of committal will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Tributes

Honora Katherine "Nonie" Bisch

December 30, 1947 - January 5, 2026