Bonnie Jean Gines

Aunt Bonnie was very proud when she obtained her A.A. Degree from Bakersfield College, Delano Campus—an achievement that reflected both her steady determination and the quiet confidence she carried through life.

Over the years, Aunt Bonnie built a strong work life marked by reliability and care for others. She most recently worked as a data processing clerk at the Walmart Distribution Center for 17 years, retiring in 2008 at age 70. She previously held important positions at Cambridge Filter and Cornet Store in Delano. From 1957 to 1961, she and her husband, Ben, owned the Glenwood Fountain in Delano, and she never forgot the people she served there—remembering her customers, especially the children, long after the years had passed.

In 1956, she married the love of her life, Benjamin Gines, and they were happily married until his passing in 1986. She has two stepdaughters, Ginger and Joyce. To cherish her memory are her nephew, Richard Kerr (Renee) and family; niece, Rhonda Smith and family; nephew, Ron Gines (Gayle) and family; niece, Priscilla Gines and family; niece, Becky Gines Orta and family; niece, Isabel Gines and family; niece, Theresa Gines; and nephews, Emilio Gines Jr. and Basilio Gines and their families. The one family member not yet mentioned was her loving cat, Snickers. As the story goes, Snickers chose Aunt Bonnie at their first meeting, and she remained by her side for over eleven years.

Aunt Bonnie’s days were filled with the simple joys she truly loved: watching tennis—especially cheering for her favorite player, Rafael Nadal—keeping up with her favorite soap operas, sewing, and reading. She also gave her time through church activities and enjoyed being active in Lodge activities, bringing her own distinctive presence to every gathering and task.

She was deeply involved in the Legionarios del Trabajo Lodge, joining in 1959 and holding several offices over the years. She was also a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Porterville. Her faith was central to her life; she loved Jesus and trusted Him to take care of her.

Those who knew Aunt Bonnie knew a woman whose kindness was not simply spoken, but practiced. She showed love by showing up, and when she could no longer travel or drive, she stayed close in the way she always had—through regular phone calls. She would phone many of her friends daily, simply to check on them and to tell them she loved them. In this, her care was both steadfast and unmistakably her own. As her family shared, Aunt Bonnie was a real treasure—an example of showing others kindness, caring, and loving without limits.

Aunt Bonnie had special friends, and you know who you are. One of the dearest people who entered her life as a helper and quickly became a friend and family member is Rose Sparano. They shared a special bond and relationship, and the family is grateful to Rose for the love, care, and joy she brought to Aunt Bonnie.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Orta, Richard Kerr, Manuel Rascon, Anthony Gines, Joshua Gines, Johnny Michael Gines, and Johnny Gines Jr.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215, on May 15, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Committal Service will be held at North Kern District Cemetery, 627 Austin St., Delano, CA 93215, on May 15, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.