Bonnie June Cease (Mays), age 87, passed away peacefully in her home on January 11, 2025. A woman of strength, love, and unwavering loyalty, she was known to her family as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Bonnie’s fierce love and dedication to her family were evident in everything she did, always showing up and never giving up.

Born on June 3, 1937, in the beautiful town of Hood River, Oregon, Bonnie was the cherished daughter of Homer Elijah Mays and Mattie Elizabeth Mays (Matheny). She was the youngest of four children, joining her three older brothers, Kenneth Donald, Carl Lloyd, and Leonard Francis. Her parents, expecting another boy, were not prepared with a girl's name so she came home without a name—until one day, one of her brothers sang “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” and thus, she became Bonnie.

Tragedy struck early when Bonnie lost her father at just 15 months old. With her brothers significantly older, much of her upbringing was spent alongside her mother. She grew up on Avalon Way in Hood River, attending Coe Primary and Park Street School before graduating from Hood River High School in 1955. Her childhood was filled with simple joys—Saturday movie outings with neighborhood friends and long walks downtown.

On June 15th, 1956, Bonnie married the love of her life, Luther Lloyd Cease, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Their love story began in high school, where Bonnie first knew Luther as a football star. Initially dating his best friend, fate had other plans when Luther was asked to “take care” of Bonnie while his friend was away. The rest, as they say, is history.

Soon after their marriage, Luther was drafted into the Army, leading Bonnie and her mother on a treacherous winter drive to Colorado Springs to be with him. The roads in Wyoming and Colorado were barely passable with their bald tires, but they made it. Their daughter, Terri Lou, was born in 1958 while Luther was still in service. Upon his discharge, they returned to Hood River to build their life together, welcoming daughter Roxann in 1960 and son Sean in 1970.

Bonnie wore many hats throughout her life. In the early 1960s, she worked at First National Bank before dedicating over 25 years to childcare. Later, she found fulfillment working at Murray’s Furniture in Odell and at Curves Gym, where she met dear friends who remained close to her heart for the rest of her life.

Beyond her career, Bonnie’s greatest passion was her art. A masterful seamstress, she sewed countless outfits for her children and grandchildren. She was a quilter, a knitter, and a skilled carpenter, crafting furniture alongside Luther for their home and family. Each year, she delighted in making handmade Santa Clauses for Christmas and dabbled in ceramics and stained glass. Her love for creating extended to her beloved garden, where she cultivated lush rhododendrons, hydrangeas, hostas, and towering trees, a testament to her nurturing spirit. A garden that she nourished almost up until her dying days.

A true testament to her unwavering loyalty to family, Bonnie attended countless sporting events for her children and grandchildren. Most notably, she rarely missed a football game—whether

her son Sean was playing or coaching over his 30-year career—always fighting for ‘her’ spot on the bleachers, undeterred by weather or distance. She was just as devoted to cheering on her granddaughters at their softball games, rain or shine. Bonnie also took great pride in attending every milestone her grandson Nicholas achieved during his time in the Scouts, celebrating each accomplishment with love and encouragement. Ever the doting grandmother, she created unforgettable memories by taking both of her grandsons on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland.

Between 1961 and 1987, Bonnie and Luther remodeled one home and built three more, all within a two-mile radius of Post Canyon and Country Club Road. Their final home, completed in 1987, became the heart of their family, a place of love, laughter, and countless memories.

After nearly 49 years of marriage, Luther passed away on May 3, 2005, following a long battle with cancer. Bonnie continued to cherish their home, finding solace in the very place they had built together. Almost 20 years later, she took her final breath in the same spot, reuniting with Luther in spirit.

Bonnie embodied the meaning of family. She was present for every milestone, big or small, offering unwavering support and love. She adored her grandchildren, and her great-grandchild held a particularly special place in her heart. She spent countless hours creating cherished memories—whirlpools in the pool, late-night scary movies, homemade toys for her beloved dogs, and handcrafted treasures for her family.

Her home was a sanctuary, welcoming loved ones at every stage of their lives. She offered refuge to her grandchildren when they needed a place to stay, cared for pets with endless affection, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. She was tough, independent, and resilient—still wielding a table saw well into her 80s. Bonnie’s hands were never idle, whether she was sewing, quilting, gardening, or building. She is survived by her three children: Terri Lou May (Danny), Roxann Cochran (Mike), and Sean Cease; her four grandchildren: Nicole Cerrato (Mike), Ashley Delepine (Max), Nicholas May (Charly), and Tyler Delepine; and her treasured great-granddaughter, Keira Cerrato. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved grand and great grand dogs, Opal, Lucy, Sitka-Sue, Chloe, Onyx, and O’Ryan.

Bonnie June Cease lived a life rich with love, creativity, and devotion to her family. She was a second mother to many, a mentor, a caretaker, and a woman of unmatched strength. Her legacy will live on in the quilts she crafted, the homes she built, and the countless lives she touched.

She will be deeply missed, but her love will forever remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her. A Celebration of life will be held for Bonnie on her birthday, June 3rd 2025. Details to come.