Bonnie - always "Mrs. Phillips" to me - was my music teacher at Explorer Middle School in the late 1970s(!). I have always remembered her warmth, generosity and energy as a teacher. Her passion for music was contagious, and she smiled and laughed through chaotic hours of pre-teens armed with loud instruments but little musical ability. Being in her class making music with others was one of the joys of my middle school experience. Mrs. Phillips was one of the special teachers who had a profound impact on my life. The love she shared for music and life made a difference, and she is missed. My condolences to her family.

I knew Bonnie through the Mukilteo School District.  She was an outstanding Music teacher, always had a big smile and a wonderful sense of humor. I was so sorry to read of her passing. 
Leann Knappe

I would like to support my dear friend Christina in honoring her mother's memory. I was so fortunate to meet her once at her grandson Mika's birthday party couple of years ago! I was awestruck by how she interacted with her children and grandson, Mika by being loving and firm motherly figure in their lives! I enjoyed listening to all stories Christina expressed about her mother. All the family members were so blessed to have such strong, generous and smart woman in their lives! My prayers and thoughts go out to all of her family!

First, I'd like to pay my respect to a classmate of mine who's mother had passed. Stay strong. Hugs.

I had the privilege of knowing Bonnie through both her daughter and her grandson. She was an incredible advocate for both of them and provided such love, affirmation, and support. There is no doubt that she touched many lives and will be sorely missed.  I extend my deepest sympathy to her family and friends as I light a candle in her memory.

Bonnie word can't describe how much you joy an happiness you brought to our family an how kind an open hearted you are it's sad to know your gone but even threw all of the pain we all know you are smiling down on us an watching over your family an to know that Kaleb has a great grandma who loves him smiling an watching over him means more. Mika an I are just so over joyed that you got to see Kaleb alot an he got to have special bond with his great grandma those are the moment I won't ever forget from the first time you held him an the last time as well but it is never good bye it's see you later we all love an miss you so much but we know that your looking down watch us all an having a blast playing the piano you love so much now play that piano an let the angles sing love you bonnie

Bonnie was one of the sweetest women I was fortunate enough to know. Always had a smile, kind words of wisdom, a gentle and loving heart, and loved when the kids were around. She had a knack for making us feel like one of her kids! :) Even as far as having us help around the house. ;) I loved how close your family was/is and how both parents were/are the anchor for so many who know and love them. Bonnie will be greatly missed and Heaven truly did gain an angel!

I've had the pleasure of knowing the Phillips family since 1982.  Bonnie was always a bright life for me and her piano playing earned her the nickname "fingers".  I'm going to miss that smile and cheerful attitude.

I had the privilege of knowing Bonnie through both her daughter and her grandson.  She was a wonderful advocate for both of them, as well as for all of her students. She was involved, determined, and demonstrated such energy, love and devotion to her family. Bonnie possessed the rare gift of being able to touch many, many lives. I extend sincere sympathy to her family and friends.  She will be sorely missed by all of us.

I will miss my Aunt Bonnie. She was a special lady. She always made time for me as a child and even as an adult. I remember she played at my wedding and I wanted this one song by Keith Whitley. And she was having a hard time finding the music for it she searched and searched and she finally found a few days before my wedding. She played it once. Told me she hope she could play it. She played my first dance beautifully. As she did everything. I loved listening to her play the piano ever since I was a young child.

One of my fondest memories of Bonnie was the years she shared her music with our sons and LOTC youth as they led the WOW contemporary service at LOTC. The young people she influenced and supported through this experience continue to be led today in music pursuits and life with things like teaching music, involvement in youth and family ministry, singing in choirs. They have been blessed to have Bonnie in their lives as all who knew her were blessed as well. We will always remember Bonnie with a "smile"!! Prayers for the Phillips family! Love you,the Norbergs

Bonnie and I were a team at Spruce Elementary School. We supported each other in school and out of school. Thanks for being my Big Sister in life! Love you!

It was a wonderful pleasure meeting you through your daughter Christina and your grace, dignity, and illuminating smile has always struck me at the occasions we have met. Your family, former students, etc are blessed having had you in their lives. Vaya con dios!

Grandma
Toni, Kaleb, and myself will always miss you. But I can't thank you enough for everything you have helped and supported me through to become the young man that I am today.

I never had the chance to meet you but I know you were a wonderful woman because you raised a wonderful son. May you rest in peace and comfort. You will be missed and loved by the many people you taught and loved over the many years!

u will be missed Bonnie.. thanks for the great childhood memories with your daughter Christina from preschool till current. Best missed was the birthday parties, swim parties etc etc. A list of good memories could and can go on for pages.. Always had a smile, kind words and most importantly said "everything will be okay"

Rest in peace. Your classmate from lake Stevens High School.

How can one begin to describe the joy Bonnie brought to the lives of everyone who knew her?  Her faith in God came first, followed ever so closely by her love of family, and then by her love off music. I will forever appreciate her friendship, her willingness to share her music with others and her example of trust in a merciful and loving God. She's playing for the hosts of heaven now and what a blessed assurance to know that someday we will see her again. Heartfelt sympathy to the entire Phillips family. May God bring you peace in the days, months and years ahead.

Bonnie was one of my favorite Moms-- bringing her kids into the orthodontist office where I worked. She always had that big smile of hers going on! She was just a treat to chat with... Take care, Phillips Family...
-Loree Pappas

What a great and caring mom you were when I met you through Christina. You have provide cherished memories to her and her children. You've left a beautiful legacy.

I loved being in Mrs. Phillips' choir class in middle school. She sure made it fun. My thoughts are with her family.

I was a student of Mrs. Phillips in middle school and will never forget the sunshine she brought into the room.  Thoughts and Prayers to her family at this sad time.

I worked with Bonnie at Explorer Middle School.  What a great gal.  So loved by her students.  Holding your family in prayer.

You brought my mom such joy. I will forever be grateful to you for that. I wish you and my mom could have had your retirement years to share but sometimes life doesn't happen how you want it to.

Bonnie's presence on earth will be greatly missed .. she lit up every room she entered. We were so blessed by her energy, her smile and laugh, her beautiful music, and her tremendous faith. Meryl, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! ❤

I am sending this candle to the whole Phillips family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Gary and Ramona.

Phillips family:
We are sadened by the loss of our dear friend Bonnie. We first met Merle and Bonnie from Shepard of the Lake and later joined Light of the Cross and we thought so much of the Phillips family. Bonnie and I would share happy moments from our children. Oh those early days at LOTC. So many friends were made, and those friends are family to all of us. I then remember the grand baby shower we had. All of us had a GREAT time:)
Bonnie you will never be forgotten, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Merle, Christina,Ben, and Bryan.

We were sadden to hear of Bonnie's passing.  When we walked into Light of the Cross, we could hear Bonnie playing giving us a smile always.  We love you Meryl and your family and will continue to pray for you. 
Greg & Dianne Barnhart, Buckeye,AZ

Dear Meryl, Christina, Ben, & Brian, & family. 

We have been blessed to know your family since 1982 when Light of the Cross was forming and we were meeting in Woodside School.  We fell in love with your family immediately, Bonnie was our pianist, and Bonnie organized our first picnic at a friend's church, it was a Mormon Stake.  Bonnie also organized our first "kids" play. Bonnie was a faithful steward of her time and talents except for a brief time when you moved to Vancouver.  I remember the move, and how much we missed your family, when you moved back, Bonnie didn't miss a beat. and came back to our fold.  We loved Bonnie beyond words, her contributions and commitment to God were extraordinary! Bonnie made our community a better place with her love of teaching music.  I could write pages on experiences, and our June anniversary where we had many celebrate. One was at Jerry Andal's Ranch Restaurant, Jerry dedicated that song, "She & I". and at the time we had over 100 yrs of anniversaries with the group we had. Can you imagine if we strung those anniversaries together now. I know you were at 46, Meryl. And we are at 48, that's almost 100 with just two of us. What blessings for us!  Bonnie was instrumental in playing for many baptisms, confirmations, weddings, & funerals, choir, holidays. One of the last times I heard Bonnie, she had played was for our beloved friend, Judy Duckum. Bonnie also played for her husband, Bill's funeral years before. It was such a sad time, but her music lifted our spirits. So many friends, so many memories of happy times and sad times.  Bonnie played at our daughters wedding and arranged for a wonderful soloist for her wedding. Bonnie played for many of our special events, so many of us owe her such a debt of gratitude for sharing her gift of music. It was Bonnie who came up with many ideas for choir, music and worship.  We have so many wonderful memories of family events, get togethers, weddings, &  wedding anniversaries, and just having pizza after a concert at Astoria's in the past few years.  We always enjoyed seeing Bonnie and Meryl, we hope Meryl, you'll think about playing again in the band again. I'm sure they will love having you back.  We know it has been very difficult for you Meryl, you loved your Bonnie very much. And for you the kids, seeing your Mom in pain.  We know you loved and this journey will not be easy.    

 I just want to say THANK YOU for sharing this beautiful lady with all of us.  We know Bonnie has fought the good fight, she is with family, friends, now, in paradise.  Bonnie was our special ANGEL here on earth, and Bonnie is no longer suffering, she is singing and playing piano, and being the ANGEL we knew here on earth.  Until we all meet again.....

We will be praying for all of you, our thoughts are with you. God Bless each and every one of you, and may you feel the love of the father as you celebrate Bonnie's life, and remember all the wonderful memories of your Beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and for all of us our wonderful sister in Christ, and our beloved friend.  Peace Be With You ALL!  May God bring you comfort in the days ahead and know that others love and care!

Bonnie ...You will be missed...
Loved you as a Sister In Law...
You  Were a VERY Hard Worker..
as Grandma.. an Wife and Mom..
Just a Wonderful all around Person..
Your up in Heaven Celebrating...Playing Your Music...
Sending Prayers For Your Family..
All My Love

OBITUARY

Bonita Metta Phillips

Bauer Funeral Chapel

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