Bonnie Lou Phipps

Bonnie was born on September 21, 1934, in Fargo, North Dakota. She then moved with her family to Aberdeen, Washington, during her early childhood, and later to Hood River, Oregon. She graduated from Hood River High School in 1952 and went on to attend Oregon State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1956. Bonnie was proud to have put herself through college through a work-study program. After graduation, she began her teaching career as a 2nd-grade teacher in Portland, Oregon.

In Portland, Bonnie met the love of her life, Jimmey Phipps, an Air Force officer flying jet fighters at Portland International Airport. After dating for six months, they married in 1957. While Jim was stationed in Thule, Greenland, Bonnie continued teaching and later, together, they welcomed two beautiful daughters and an exceptional son into their lives. Her children were the light of her life.

As Jim’s military career took them across the country, from Florida to North Carolina, Colorado, Ohio, and Alaska, Bonnie’s strength and dedication never wavered. She lovingly raised their three children and continued to teach at various schools along the way, balancing her roles as both mother and educator with grace.

After Jim retired from the Air Force, the family settled in Colorado Springs, where Bonnie spent the rest of her life. In Colorado, she worked as a substitute teacher and cherished her time working in various roles with children. As her children grew and started families of their own, Bonnie found great joy in her seven grandchildren, and she played an active role in helping to raise them.

Beyond her devotion to her family, Bonnie loved sightseeing, sewing, skiing, skating, and hiking. In her later years, she found happiness in the simple things: fresh flowers, puzzles, crafts, playing Rummy, and indulging her sweet tooth. She was full of life and energy until the end.

Bonnie’s warmth, resilience, and unwavering love for her family touched all who knew her. She faced life’s challenges, including two major surgeries, with remarkable resilience. Her legacy as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and educator lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. We find comfort in knowing we will one day meet her again in Heaven. Her memory will forever remain in our most cherished thoughts, and she will never be forgotten.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Millie Stenhjem, and her brother, William Stenhjem Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Jimmey N. Phipps; her children, Sherri (Trip), Virginia (Terry), and Michael (Nicole); her grandchildren, Christopher (Shanae), Alexis (Lucas), Ryan (Martha), Renee (Jonathan), Abigail, Lauren, and Camille; and her great-grandchildren, Ryker and Rhonan; and her expected great-granddaughter Eden. Memorial Service and reception will be held on October 30th, 2024, at 10:00 am at Woodmen Heights Chapel at 8292 Woodmen Valley View, Colorado Springs, CO 80908.

Memorial gifts honoring Bonnie may be made to: ACTS Children’s Food Pantry & School Snacks https://woodmenvalley.org/memorialdonation