Bonny Leigh Braden

On January 4th, 2022, the world lost a wonderful person, after Bonny L. Braden was unable to recover from heart surgery. This was shocking for all that knew her, given how big a heart she showed the world. She was the friend you always wanted, the sibling you could count on, the wife you could only hope for, and the mom all kids should have, showing them the love only a mother can give. Bonny was born on Aug. 10, 1954, in Seattle, Washington and she lived in Snohomish County her entire life. She married the love of her life March 25, 1977, and they settled in Snohomish, quite literally building a home for their family. Bonny is survived by her husband Jeff, their 3 sons: TJ, David, and Daniel, sister Terry Fluke, 5 horses and her dog Cooper. Bonny’s childhood was filled with adventure. The family would go camping, fishing, hiking and shooting a 22 rifle. One trip that stands out for the family was a 3-week driving trip around the United States visiting many historical sites, 4 kids squeezed together in a ‘63 Belair Station wagon. Bonny enjoyed school. She was always on the honor roll and she participated in a lot of after school activities. She graduated from Edmonds High School in 1972 and from the University of Washington in 1976 with a BA in Accounting. Bonny earned Girl Scout awards and performed in Hawaiian recitals, but her interests quickly narrowed in on her love for horses. Bonny learned to care for and ride on her older sister Merridee’s horse. She saved her pennies and eventually bought a horse of her own. Robana was a Half Arabian mare. With her strong work ethic, love and dedication, Bonny’s devotion to horses could not be tamed. Starting at local 4-H events and then Half Arabian competitions. She won honors at both US National competitions and Canadian National competitions as an amateur owner. Bonny was written up in the Arabian Horse World and the Seattle Times for these shows. Bonny wasn’t just a competitor in the horse community. At a very young age she volunteered to become the adult leader for the local 4-H Club because they didn’t have one. She continued to remain an active member of several Half Arabian clubs throughout life. Just last year she was the Region 5 treasurer, the show secretary for the Mid-Summer, Inland Empire & NW Heritage shows, as well as a very active volunteer in the Region 5 show. She was lovingly referred to as the “show mom” by the other volunteers and participants. You could always count on her to be seen with a towel in one hand and brush in the other or working in the show office always willing to offer help. It’s hard to express how much Bonny loved horses. Bonny involved her whole family in her love for horses, especially her sons. She didn’t force, but encouraged them into riding as she knew it would teach them the responsibility, hard work, dedication, and the empathy one needs in life. With a full time job held for 39 years, husband, 3 boys all with different sporting events, multiple horses, plenty of volunteering that wasn’t enough. She still made time to help out with the family holiday business, Soundview Holly Ranch. All who knew her will miss her beautiful smile and warm giving heart. To any that want to honor her, remember to be kind to all, and volunteer in your community activities, horse or local. Please do not send flowers, but instead consider donating to a local horse club or the American Heart Association. Celebration of life, open house, will be held at Hidden Meadows 11805 Springhetti Road Snohomish, Washington on Mar. 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm.