December “My Why” Spotlight: Honoring 20 Years of Purpose with Trace Bedwell

Stillwater Hospice Regional Director of Growth & Development with former Bozeman Director of Nursing, Sabrina Colton

This month, we are proud to shine a light on someone whose commitment, leadership, and heart have shaped hospice care across three states. Our December My Why highlights the incredible story of Trace Bedwell, Regional Director of Growth and Development, who supports all Stillwater Hospice agencies across Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Trace has served with Stillwater Hospice for five years and recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone on November 29, 2025 — 20 years in hospice care. Her journey is one rooted in service, advocacy, second chances, and a lifelong belief that everyone deserves comfort and connection at the end of life.

In her own words, this is Trace’s My Why.

How did you first get started in hospice care?

“In 2004, I was working at an assisted living facility and saw firsthand the huge benefit hospice brought to our community. Residents facing end-of-life needs received a level of care our staff couldn’t provide — nursing support, CNAs, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers. It changed everything.

Hospice gave those residents time, comfort, and dignity, and it gave our team space to serve the whole community better. I realized at least 10% of our population could benefit from hospice, so I became an advocate — sending referrals, educating families, and championing the program.

Eventually, the hospice team asked me to join them. I became a Community Liaison, building relationships with providers, assisting families with paperwork, and engaging with the community. Hospice became my passion — and it still is two decades later.

From there, I advanced into leadership roles, including Executive Director for multiple Montana programs, Certified Hospice Administrator, VP of Growth & Development, and Regional Executive Director.

I retired in 2018, thinking I was done. But in 2020, my dear friends, the owners of Stillwater Hospice, reached out and asked if I’d help ‘put the band back together.’ On April 1, 2020 — in the middle of COVID — I opened Stillwater Hospice in Bozeman.

Not long after, I transitioned into my current role as Regional Director of Growth and Development, where I get to do what I do best: serve as the liaison between sick and frail individuals at end of life and an amazing team of professionals who can care for them.

I’ve always said, ‘I’m kind of like a matchmaker.’ And today, I lead a team of matchmakers too.”

Was there a personal experience or moment that strengthened your calling?

“I grew up in Northern Wyoming, where most people died without hospice unless they went to a hospice house. My uncle died at 51 without the support that hospice could have provided. It broke my heart — he didn’t receive the kind of care Stillwater offers today, and our family never received the emotional support we desperately needed.

Later, friends from Basin would reach out saying, ‘My dad is dying — can you help?’ My company at the time didn’t serve the area, and having to say no devastated me.

So when Stillwater Hospice reached out years later, and I learned they had expanded into Wyoming, that was the deciding factor that pulled me out of retirement. I finally had the chance to help the community where I grew up. That still means everything to me.”

How has hospice work changed your view on life, death, or caregiving?

“Eighteen years ago, I met a husband whose wife collapsed from a glioblastoma just after retiring. As I admitted her to hospice, he pulled me aside, grieving and angry.

He made me promise something: ‘Never wait for a special occasion. Go on trips now. Wear fancy clothes now. Live like you could die tomorrow.’

That moment changed the way I live my life — immediately and profoundly. I think of his words often.”

What has been one of the most meaningful moments of your hospice career?

“My second chance. Before I retired, I had very high expectations of my staff and wasn’t always the kindest manager. I just wanted every patient and family cared for — at all costs.

When I returned to hospice with Stillwater, I promised myself I would lead differently: with a tender heart and the same high standards.

Today, my team has incredibly low turnover. They feel supported, valued, and successful. That means the world to me because it proves that people can grow — and that compassionate leadership lifts everyone.”

What keeps you motivated, even on hard days?

“I never want another family to go through what mine did — facing the end of life without support, guidance, or comfort. Knowing what hospice can do for people keeps me going.”

How do you hope to make a difference for patients and families?

“I’m the matchmaker. I bring an experienced team of end-of-life professionals to people when they are sick, frail, and need us most — whether they live at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility.”

When you think about your why, what memory stands out the most?

“I’ll never forget the very first patient’s daughter I met with back in November 2005 in Laurel, Montana. She was exhausted — the kind of exhaustion I now understand as caregiver burnout.

After listening to her situation and explaining how hospice could help, I asked if she wanted to move forward. She hugged me tightly, sobbing, and said, ‘You are the angel I’ve been praying for.’

From that moment, I was hooked.

I knew I could make more money selling Audis or real estate in Bozeman — but I could never make that kind of difference. Hospice is where I belong, and I’ve been overwhelmingly blessed to spend 20 years doing this work.”

Thank you, Trace.

Your leadership, heart, and unwavering commitment to patients, families, and our teams across Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming continue to shape Stillwater Hospice in profound ways. We are honored to celebrate your story — and your remarkable 20 years in hospice care — in this month’s My Why.