Steven Dennis Bonds passed from this Earthly life on March 8, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan E. (Hines) Bonds, daughters Jennifer L. Ward (Brian Ward) and Rebecca A. Goodwin (Ryan Goodwin), and grandchildren Sterling, Heidi, Bennett, and Mae Goodwin, and Gwendolyn and Violet Ward. He’s also survived by his siblings Clay Bonds, Laura Kathy Bonds, Linda Christopher (Eric) and Brian Bonds. He also leaves behind numerous loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Steve was born in Phoenix, AZ on March 22, 1956 to Harold and Quaintance Patricia Bonds. Steve enlisted in the Navy at age 17, where he served as a machinist first class on a refueling ship stationed in the Mediterranean. Following Navy service, Steve attended Maricopa Tech where he specialized in business machine repair, starting his career at Olivetti Corporation.
Steve met his wife, Susan, in Phoenix, AZ when he came into her office at the Arizona National Livestock Showl. Susan married her typewriter repairman on February 28, 1981 and they moved to Prescott Valley, AZ in October the same year. In Prescott, Steve began working at The Stockroom office supply store. Though the company changed hands and technology advanced over the years, Steve continued in his service position and was a loyal and valued employee. At times, he managed a team of technicians, and he was once honored by his national company as a technician of the year. He was well-loved by coworkers, management, and clientele for his exceptional skill as a technician and his pleasant and calm demeanor. His kindness was so memorable to clients that people greeted him by name in public during off hours. He was known for his ability to repair machines of all brands and ages, while most other techs worked on just one or two brands. He was a resource for new and seasoned employees alike, especially because he was a willing helper who taught without arrogance. He retired from his work as a technician in 2014, primarily to care for his aging mother in his own home, which he did the following six years.
Steve and Susan raised two daughters, Jennifer and Rebecca. They lived in Prescott Valley most of that time, but also lived in Bagdad, AZ for 4 years when Susan began teaching. During the time in Bagdad, Steve commuted 90 minutes to work in Prescott. He maintained this draining schedule without complaint, still sharing in housework and making time to play with his girls, on whom he doted. He made regular visits to his parents and always tried to see extended family for holidays at a minimum. He was a loving husband, reliable provider, and patient father. Most people knew Steve as a very shy, reserved person, not knowing that behind that quiet exterior lay a playful personality, a bright and wise mind, and a marvelous sense of humor. When his daughters married and started families, he brought all these wonderful qualities to his role as “Papa.”
In 2021, Steve and Susan relocated to Olive Branch, MS to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Steve loved the new home- a spacious property with a small pond. He enjoyed watching the ducks, geese, and turtles in their daily routines from his sunroom and working on projects around the house. Steve and Susan felt welcomed at a new church family and were enjoying seeing grandkids regularly.
Steve became a Christian as a young adult, and was in regular attendance at church the remainder of his life. He led by example, especially modeling gentleness, service, and humility. The impact he made with his unparalleled kindness, patience, and exemplary character will live on in all who knew him.
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