Barbara Rose Bonthuis, age 65, beloved wife of Michael W. Bonthuis of Sedro-Woolley passed away on Monday, May 23, 2011 at Peace Health St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
She was born November 5, 1945 in Gooding, Idaho to B.R. and Rose (Andersen) Chess.
Barbara was a woman of many talents. Education was chief among the many things she was devoted to. She taught in several schools in Oregon and at her retirement she was an Administrator for the Coos Bay School District. Barbara was a very positive influence on many young lives as well as her co-workers.
Barbara and Mike were married on January 6, 2006 at their home in Sedro-Woolley. They both were active members of the Burlington Morning Rotary Club and Barbara was a past president of the club. They also enjoyed traveling and spending time together with their close friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
A Celebration of Life Get Together will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Sometimes when I’m alone
My heart will cry a tear
Remembering what we have known
I listen and try to hear
Thoughts of what we use to be
Flicker before closed eyes
Wishing you were here with me
To brush away my whys
Mike,
Mark and I are so saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. I know your heart is so heavy at this time, but know we are ALL thinking of you and sending love, prayer and support your way!
Barb, is a woman I totally admired and put on a big pedistal, for all she has done and the lives she has touched. Her heart was so big and generous. I feel so blessed to have known her. She has left me with many wonderful thoughts and memories. May all you time together, give you memories to carry you thru this sorrow you feel now.
God Bless.
Your friends,
Mark and Beth
Mike
I am so sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for you today. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Joyce
We are both so sad about Barb’s passing. Barb was such a fine person and being near her was a pleasure. She so enjoyed life. Watching Barb and Mike together was one of the great reasons to be in Burlington Rotary; their love for each other was obvious.
Barb, we will miss you.
Barb touched so many lives with her generous spirit. Agreeing to be my CTE mentor, she was truly a port in the storm this first year of teaching where I often retreated. Her guidance and unwavering encouragement kept me going. She was such a blessing.
Mike, your Rotary family surrounds you with love during this tragic time. Our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are aching.
Barbara was one of the kindest , warmest and most giving person that I have ever known. She was always the first peron to volunteer to help. She was a great Rotarian and she will be dearly missed.
Barb was an AMAZING woman – a go getter. I had the opportunity to get to know Barb better when she was the president of the Burlington morning Rotary club and I was the secretary. Barb had a real passion for making things better. Her dedication for education shined through in everything she was involved in.
The love that she and Mike shared was evident each and every day – you could see it in their eyes. They always sat together at the Rotary meetings – even though they knew the inevitable – they would be fined a buck! Mike would proudly and gladly pay the fine saying it was worth every penny to sit by his wifes side. Your love for each other was a testiment to all around you!
You will be greatly missed Barb!