Bonnie Jean Barkley

Bonnie, born on December 4, 1925, graduated from Reagan High School and married her first husband, Roy Dietz, in 1942. In April of 1963, she married Thomas Ray Barkley, a textile worker for Anderson and Clayton Textile Mill, and soon became a part of the close knit "Mill Block Family." She is credited with helping several of the "Mill Block Kids" do things they would have never been able to and with encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams. "Aunt Bonnie" did things to make each of them feel special.

Bonnie went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a Customer Service Clerk only expecting to cover for someone on maternity leave, but retired after 35 years of service. As she said, "That was the longest maternity leave I've ever heard of." After retiring, she and Ray spent many evenings working the Bingo nights at the Jean Rossi American Legion Post.

Bonnie touched the lives of so many. She had a kind and generous heart, a quick wit in the form of great one-liners, and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. To say she enjoyed travel is an understatement; she has been to all 50 states at least once, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Bonnie also enjoyed all types of handiwork including sewing, crochet, applique, and embroidery, and over the years produced many beautiful keepsakes her family displays.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Memorial Hospital The Woodlands, Phoenix Home Health Care Services, and VITAS Hospicefor their care and dedication to Bonnie.

In lieu of flowers and donations, the family ask that you save the money you would have spent, start a vacation fund for yourself, and enjoy your life as mom did hers.