My dear sweet friend;
You and your family have been heavy on my heart since receiving the news and talking to you last Thursday evening. The only consolation it seems we can find together having known each other now for 36 years of our life, is that the 2 Buddy's, your Bill & my Ray are together there in paradise awaiting our arrival, perhaps as much as we long to be with them again.  What would we do without the hope we have in Christ?  Though wonderful people so lovingly try to console, NOthing can take away the empty hole that is left from the part of you that went with Bill.  It will forever be there because we loved them much! I do want to encourage you that the pain does ease, but the memory's & longing we have for them seems to be lifelong.  It's only with the help of Christ, that we can overcome and move on.  You are a strong lady like me, and though it may not seem like it now, the heaviness will lessen little by little over time and the waves of grief that make us feel like we are drowning still come, but lessen in duration and intensity as months, then years pass.  Bill was a good husband, father and friend and is missed by many.  You and I girlfriend, have some great memories with these men.  Please call or text anytime, as your loved ones go back to living their own lives not meaning to leave you on your own, but that's life, and you may need someone to share with, who knows what that new kind of "loneliness" really feels like, even in the midst of having your dear, caring, children around you.  I love you, sweet friend!
I pray your family comes together in continued support of one another in the loss of a very good and caring father who loved them much.  
In the hope of the resurrection we have as heirs of salvation through Christ, rest in peace Bill & Ray. 
Until we meet again...
Much Love,
Lorri Mitlteider

Bonnie and Boys;
  We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.  
God Bless you all,
Don and Earlene Shepperd and family

Dear Bonnie and family, Susan and I are sorry for your and our loss and y'all are in our prayers.  Bill was quite a guy.  He actually wore red socks with his uniform one Christmas.  Being his Sergeant Major, I'm the one that had to tell him to change.  Laughing all the time.  
David Willingham, CSM Retired

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dear Bonnie and Family,
   Thinking and praying for all of you during this most difficult time.  I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing.  A little over a week ago, I said good-bye to William and told him to take care and drive safely. We said we would see each other again in 2021 if not earlier.  Little did I know that this would be our final good-bye.  The Steele High School Class of 1964 has lost another special classmate.

Bonnie and Family,   We are so sorry for your loss.  Glen and I are so grateful we were able to enjoy a wonderful week-end with the both of you at the all school reunion.  We will cherish those memories and many others we shared. I will  especially miss our e-mail exchanges.  He always provoked deeper thought or provided the best laughs.  We will miss him and his great sense of humor.

I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing.  I hadn't seen him in several years. He always had that smile on his face. He worked hard and will be missed.  I pray God will bless you and keep you during this time.  

SFC Farrah

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Your loss is felt by many of the Oklahoma National Guard family who served with MSG Umphrey.  He left a legacy and will be remembered by many as a mentor and friend!

Thinking of you Bonnie and your sons and grand children. I am thankful to have known Bill and always enjoyed your visits to North Dakota and all of the time you spent with us. I can think of a few people he loved who were at the gate of heaven waiting to welcome him home. Love and hugs to all of you.

We have such wonderful memories of our dearest friend Bill.  We always enjoyed visiting with the two of you whenever you came back to ND.  The time we were able to spend with the two of you are so precious to us.  We have so much to be thankful for that God gave us Bill to share our lives.  He was such a friendly, caring guy who would do anything for anyone.  God Bless you and your whole family Bonnie.  We love you and we are so sorry for your loss.

Dearest Mrs. Bonnie and Family,

My condolences in the loss of your loved one. I will miss Mr. Bill coming down the hall in the childrens wing on Sunday mornings popping in to say hello. He always had a smile on his face. May God comfort you throughout this difficult time. 

My Love and prayers,

Bill was a wonderful man. I remember what great foster parents Bonnie and Bill were. My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the entire family.

OBITUARY

William Junior Umphrey

August 25, 1945 – July 21, 2016

Primrose Funeral Service

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