On Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, Bonnie Ann Lorenz, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer.
Bonnie was born July 15, 1942, in Rochester, New Hampshire to Harold Thompson and Anna (Amero) Richey.
Growing up in New Hampshire, Bonnie’s fondest childhood memories were of her grandparents, Alman and Vivian Thompson, and her brother Jere.
After serving several years in the United States Air Force, Bonnie married and had two sons, David and Jeff, who were the center of her world. Later, Bonnie found her calling in nursing, where her warm and caring nature was a natural fit.
To say Bonnie never met a stranger would be an understatement. She had an uncanny knack for making people feel welcome; her quick wit won over many and sparked a lot of laughter.
Bonnie met Steve Lorenz, the love of her life, for the second time, in 1996, at a family Thanksgiving in Napa, California. Bonnie soon retired from nursing in Ventura, California to move to Randle, Washington where she and Steve began their life together. They married on Dec. 17, 1997, in Olympia, Washington.
Although new to the Big Bottom Valley community, Bonnie was not a stranger for long. She joined the local Garden Club, started a book club, and volunteered at the local library. Bonnie enjoyed canning, often straight from her own garden. She was an excellent seamstress and evidence of her talents could be found throughout their home. Her creativity and love of sewing extended to quilting as well, creating over 20 quilts she gifted to family and friends. Bonnie and Steve shared a love for the outdoors which included skiing, hiking, RVing, and traveling over their many years together.
Bonnie was known for the many gatherings at her and Steve’s home. Whether at the airpark in Randle or later, at their home in Tucson, Bonnie was there to envelop you in a warm hug upon arrival and made sure you never left hungry or without one last hug. Wherever you heard laughter, you were sure to find Bonnie at the center of it, often recounting a saucy story. The best way for anyone to celebrate the Fourth of July was at Bonnie and Steve’s. There was enough food for the entire airpark, and the afternoon was filled with games of horseshoes, cornhole and ladder toss. The evening typically wound down with a fireworks display (the legality of which was unmentioned). For fireworks beyond the celebration, Bonnie was passionate about politics, never one to shy away from a good debate.
Each summer Bonnie looked forward to having her grandchildren visit, the longer the better. Summers with Grandma and Grandpa were filled with airplane rides, adventures close to home on the Cowlitz River as well as to Seattle and beyond, arts and crafts, and visits with friends and family.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her brothers Jere (Debra) Thompson and Ronald Richey. She is survived by her husband of 25 years Steve Lorenz, her sons David (Kari) Dennis and Jeff (Melinda) Dennis, step-daughter Erin (David) Chaplin, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sisters Sharon Richey and Carolyn (Scott) Beranger, brothers Paul (Donna) Richey and Jay (Renee) Richey, a circle of close friends whom she considered family, and beloved dogs, Bella and Jigs.
Bonnie’s true joy in life was her family and friends. Bonnie’s gift to us all was her laughter and generous spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to your local library, humane society, or the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held in the spring and details will be announced in The Daily World.
To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
