On the 8th day of March, 1924, in the city of Chicago, IL, the sun rose on a storied life.

On this day a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rakowski. The proud parents gave her the name of Bernice (Bonnie) Rakowski.  Bonnie departed this life on the 13th day of December, 2024, at 100 years old.  She grew up and matured in the City of Chicago until it came time for her to honor her country with her service in the United Stated Military. Bonnie was in the Army where she served as a nurse’s assistant. She was stationed in Panama where she met her husband William (Bill) stage.

Bonnie and Bill were married on April 5, 1947. To this union three children were born, David Lee Stage, Janet Leigh Stage and Carol Ann Stage. They were married for 65 years before Bills passing on November 7, 2010.  Bonnie loved children and had her own home daycare. She could be seen on many occasions playing in the sprinkler with the children of her daycare. She also loved to crochet, paint, read books, and talk to friends and family.

Bonnie was a volunteer for the Senior Center and Hospice and was an Eastern Star. She was a homemaker, wife and mother. She thought of the children she took care of as her own and treated them as if they were her own, as she loved all of her kids. Bonnie was a loyal member of the Yellow Jackets, and she enjoyed going on a trip to Washington D.C. with them.

Bonnie was preceded by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Janet; and her sister, Dorothy.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, David Stage of Alamogordo; her loving daughter, Carol Stage (Parham) of Alamogordo and her husband Phillip; 2 grandchildren, Latoya Rainwater and William (Willy) Rainwater, named after Bill; 4 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; and niece, Bonnie Tollison and husband Rick of Port Orchard, Washington.

Bill was a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force and stationed on and off at Holloman AFB until Bill retired in Alamogordo in 1976 where Bonnie lived after Bill passed. She lived in Alamogordo for 48 years truly making Alamogordo, New Mexico her home. 

Bonnie always had a smile of love and warmth to share with everyone.

The Memorial Service for Bonnie will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church.

The Stage family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.