Bonita Marie Stickler passed away Feb. 12, 2026. She was born May 14, 1948, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Her parents were Rex and Betty Berfield. Bonnie has a twin sister, Connie Hood, along with two other sisters named Penny Burgess and Debbie Berfield. Bonnie went to kindergarten in Salida. She then attended Gunnison Public schools from first grade through high school and graduated in 1966. She attended Western State College and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She then received her masters in 1973.
When Bonnie wanted something, she went out there and she got it. Bonnie began her career in Nucla in 1970 teaching kindergarten for a year. She returned to Gunnison, where she taught at Powderhorn school, the last one-room school house in the district. When the school closed in 1973, she started teaching in Gunnison where she taught until her retirement in 2001.
Bonnie married the love of her life, Ted Stickler, in 1972. Bonnie and Ted had two children, Wendy Stickler and Art Stickler. Their grandchildren are Courtney Stickler, Brant Stickler, Lane Stickler, Blake Stickler, Colton Bailey, Audra Bailey and Chance Bailey and their great grandson is Stetson Hutton. Bonnie’s grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Bonnie enjoyed her retirement in Montrose. She loved going on early morning walks before it got too hot out, and eating her breakfast on her back patio. Bonnie loved to garden. She maintained her flower beds weekly, never leaving a dead flower head behind. Bonnie’s favorite hobby was sewing. If you knew Bonnie, I’m sure you have something that she sewed for you. She was a true artist and took her time to make each piece of material sewn perfect.
Bonnie also loved to paint, she specifically loved painting blue birds. Bonnie loved to read. She would read multiple books a week. She always found ways to keep herself busy. She showed her love for her hobbies with her family. Bonnie adored each of her grandchildren. She loved watching them strive in whatever they put their minds to.
Bonnie was the happiest person and always had a big smile. She loved meeting new people and would greet everyone she came across on her walks. She never let anything upset her and would put others before herself. Bonnie will be greatly missed.
