Bonnie Barr-Workman: 1934-2021

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On Sunday, July 25, 2021, LaVonne Verda “Bonnie” (Gates) Barr-Workman was ushered peacefully from this presence to be with her Heavenly Father. 

Bonnie was born May, 10, 1934 in Akron, Colorado, to Charles and Grace Gates. The family moved to Washington state in 1939 and eventually settled in Dryad, Washington. She graduated from Pe Ell High School. 

She met Air Force Sergeant Herbert D. Barr and they were married on July 17, 1954. The family moved often. Stationed in South Dakota, they welcomed their first son Dennis. Then at Joint-Base Lewis McCord, Robert was born. Joining the family next were Duane and Lyndal. Herb was in Korea for a year, then Florida and lastly Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The family settled in Napavine, Washington. Herb passed away on Nov. 5, 1996. 

Bonnie enjoyed square dancing with the Cougar Squares. She was a member of Christian Fellowship of Winlock Church. She spent the winter “snow birding” in Yuma, Arizona. She also traveled in her motor home around the country and enjoyed the Mariners' games with her sister Eldah. 

Following Herb's death, Bonnie met a new love of her life, Wayne Workman. The two were married for 20 years. Wayne passed away in 2017. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Grace Gates; her husbands Herbert Barr and Wayne Workman, and step-son Max Workman, as well as her siblings Eldah, Leonard, Avery, Avalon and Ronald. She is survived by her sons Dennis (wife Sue) from Winlock, Robert (wife Debbie) from Tenino, Duane (wife Debbie) from Chehalis, and daughter Lyndal (husband Gary) Hannum from Chehalis. She is also survived by her step-daughters Annie Workman and April Conroy. Altogether she and her husbands had 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. 

Bonnie loved everyone and will be greatly missed by the lives she touched. 

There will be a viewing at Sticklin Funeral Home in Centralia on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 3-7 p.m. On Aug. 4 a graveside service at 11 a.m., Napavine Cemetery E. Grand Blvd. Then shortly thereafter at approximately noon, a memorial service and potluck lunch to follow will be held at Christian Fellowship of Winlock, 630 Cemetery Rd. Church phone number is 360- 785-4280.