Bonnie Louise Johnson
Our beloved mother, Bonnie Louise Johnson, passed away unexpectedly just before her 85th birthday on September 19, 2015. Those of us who loved her grieve her passing but rejoice in the knowledge that she is reunited with Duane, her husband of 54 years and the two of them are in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on November 2, 1930 to John and Olive Fox, Mom grew up in Perry, a small town in Iowa. She met the love of her life, Duane Johnson, a long tall cowboy, on a trip to Colorado Spring in 1948 and agreed to marry Dad if he would give up the Rodeo circuit. They settled in Colorado Springs where they created their own family circle. Mom worked on the assembly line at Timken Roller Bearing Company, as a legal secretary, and as school secretary for Palmer High School, Irving High and Emerson Junior High where she was promoted to head secretary. A dedicated employee, she worked tirelessly with the Principals, staff and teachers, to make sure that Emerson ran with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. It was the years at Emerson that gave her the opportunity to develop her strong leadership, communication, and people skills as well as her love of learning. She was an avid reader and an astute businesswoman. After retirement, Mom and Dad travelled the country looking for the beautiful antiques that they brought home to Country Pines Antiques. It was with great pride that they were able to place so many great antiques in other people’s homes. Never paying retail, she ran a successful business for more than 20 years. When Duane passed away in 2003, Bonnie closed the business and moved to University Park.
Bonnie and Duane were talented and graceful dancers and spent many enjoyable hours square dancing and were members of the Broadmoor Waltz Club.
Mom was a strong Christian woman, passionate about her faith and a faithful member of the Village Seven Presbyterian Church. She attended BFS and hosted a bible study in her home. She volunteered with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and loved the time and people she met through this wonderful organization. Mom never met a stranger. If you asked her who she was talking to, she would reply that she didn’t really know but she had a wonderful conversation. Mom was a proud American and loved her country. In her retirement years, she became very involved in politics. We had a family rule that when together we would not discuss politics or religion as the discussion would become too contentious.
Mom left behind her much loved brother, Jim Fox, sister-in-law Betty, and their wonderful extended family. Her own three children, that she often said were the best things she ever had done, included Steve and his wife Barb, Denise and her husband Jeff, and Matt and his wife Marilyn, all of whom she loved dearly. They in turn brought her eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Stefanie, Emily, Sam, Molly, Zach, and Jacob who brought her much joy throughout her life. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren, Kyla, Dillon, Kaleb, Conner, Gavin, and Logan who were all very dear to her.
Mom lived an abundant and full life, had many friends, wonderful neighbors, and devoted family. She lived fully and without reservation and that love was returned ten-fold.
God’s speed Mom, we love you and you will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4055 Nonchalant Circle South, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, the Colorado Springs Humane Society, or Compassion International.