Gayle Shirley Bonzi

Gayle Shirley Bonzi (Rose) was born on March 10, 1942, in Patterson, California, to Mildred Jane Rose and Jack William Rose. She grew up alongside her siblings, Sharon Wilson (Rose) and Michael “Mickey” Rose. Gayle was the proud mother of her son, Mike Rash, who gave her three beloved grandchildren: Jeremy Rash, Cheyanne Rash, and Bryce Stoskopf. She later married James Bonzi, expanding her family to include her stepchildren, Andy Bonzi and Gina Menser, and six additional grandchildren: Avery, Devyn, Taylor, Ryen, Gino, and Paolo. Gayle spent most of her life in Modesto, California, where she graduated from Downey High School in 1960. Over more than 50 years in the workforce, she held many roles, including that of entrepreneur. She owned and operated both a nail salon and a party store, reflecting her creativity and strong work ethic. A woman of many talents and passions, Gayle enjoyed oil painting, both portraits and landscapes, leather work, sewing, baking, cooking, and gardening. She also loved archery, hunting, and fishing. Travel brought her great joy, especially trips to the mountains, the ocean, and Disneyland. She had a deep love for nature and treasured time spent camping. Gayle was an animal lover throughout her life, caring for horses, cats, and dogs. She took great pride in her Native American heritage and found joy in Native American flute music and attending local powwows. Giving back was important to her, and she was actively involved in local charities, generously supporting organizations focused on helping those in need. Gayle passed away in Modesto, California, following a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mildred Rose, and her brother, Michael “Mickey” Rose.

She is survived by her husband, James Bonzi; her son, Mike Rash, and daughter-in-law, Debbie Rash; her stepdaughter, Gina Menser, and husband, Rob Menser; her stepson, Andy Bonzi, and wife, Teresa Bonzi; her grandchildren, Jeremy Rash, Cheyanne Rash, Bryce Stoskopf, Avery Bonzi, Devyn Bonzi, Taylor Bonzi, Ryen Bonzi, Gino Lamarka, and Paolo Lamarka; and her sister, Sharon Wilson, and husband, Woody Wilson.

A graveside service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life potluck at Hacienda De Don Pedro.