Bonnie Lee Hickey, age 64, passed away at home on May 22, 2019 after courageously battling cancer for four years. Her faith was never shaken and she always found a reason to smile and a way to spread love.
Bonnie was born on July 23, 1954 in Rochester, New York to the late Doris and Earl Rathke. She grew up in Florida enjoying the beach, water skiing, softball, and playing the organ at University Baptist Church.
Bonnie graduated Valedictorian from Deerfield High School and went on to pursue her love of mathematics at Baylor University. After college graduation, she married Michael Hickey in June 1976. Mike and Bonnie moved to Colorado where they built a life together for 42 wonderful years. She loved their time in the Rockies, sharing in many adventurous outdoor activities including hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and ATVing.
Bonnie was a dedicated mother to her two daughters, Amanda and Laura. She created a warm and joyful home. She was always there to listen and provide encouragement. As a family they spent summers taking road trips across the US and winters taking family ski trips in the mountains. Bonnie also devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to her parents who lived nearby.
She had a passion for education, and volunteered for many years as a math tutor at a local elementary school. Bonnie loved gardening, attending Bible studies, and was blessed to be part of a tight-knit group of loyal Christian women. In later years, she treasured her role as a grandmother and embraced every chance to read books, do arts and crafts, and play games with her five grandchildren.
Bonnie will be fondly remembered by her husband, (Michael Hickey); daughter, (Laura Hickey); daughter and son-in-law, (Amanda and Logan Haag); five grandchildren: (Caiden, Rylan, Kellen, Toben, and Brennen Haag); brother, (Gary Rathke, his wife, Charlotte, and his sons: Joshua and Benjamin Rathke); sister-in-law, (Kathy Eckard and her two children: Jeff Eckard and Alison Heilman).
A private memorial will be held at Woodmen Valley Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Water for Life at LifeToday.org
Vern Gazvoda
29 May 2019Mike I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I met Bonnie only a few times during the time we worked for Ampex. I am sure that she was an awesome and outgoing person from the touching obituary story. Mike, please take care of yourself and remember your friends are thinking of you. If you wish, you can email me and we can do some catch – up!
Vern
Everette Luther
31 May 2019Mike,
I am very sorry to hear the sad news for you and your family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all the best at this difficult time. Take care.
Everette
Frank Papish
31 May 2019I am so so sorry Mike of Bonnies passing. You had a great life together cut short way too soon. I always think about you and you are one of the good guys I’ve had the pleasure to know over the years. I’ll get in touch with you sometime. My love and thoughts to you and your family. Frank P
Ron Lenhardt
1 Jun 2019Mike, I was saddened to hear Bonnie had passed away. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember the great life you had with Bonnie. My deepest condolences, Ron.
Richard & Shelley Igo
2 Jun 2019Mike,
I am sorry to here that Bonnie has passed away. Shelley & I send all our prayers to you and your family.