Bonita Vick

Bonita "Bonnie" Merle Turner Vick was born April 7, 1927 to William and Lora Turner in Buena Vista, Colorado. Bonnie was one of seven children, she had two older sisters, Doris and Virginia, and four brothers, William Jr, Albert, Frank and Arthur. Bonnie and her sisters were known as the "Turner Girls" around Buena Vista. They were beautiful inside and out, and were often asked to sing at town gatherings and celebrations. If you had the fortune to hear Bonnie sing you wouldn't forget it! She spoke affectionately of her cowboy brothers and how they looked after her. She enjoyed riding horses and as a young woman she rode in the Quadrille and was crowned "Queen of the Rodeo". Bonnie frequently spoke of her brother Frank, who was one and a half years younger, he died at the age of 15, and the time she spent with him had a major impact on her life. She often said how much she loved and missed him. At the age of 19 Bonnie married Jess Oren "J.O." Vick, Jr. of Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Bonnie and J.O. met in Buena Vista, CO when he went to visit his older brother Melvin, after returning home from his service in World War II. Bonnie was working as a telephone operator at the time. In 1948 they moved to Fort Sumner, New Mexico and moved several times around NM prior to settling in Santa Rosa in 1957 to start their electrical contracting business, "Santa Rosa Electric Company". In 1961 they opened an appliance and electronics store on Fourth Street. Bonnie kept the books and ran the store, where she took a special interest in the music the younger generations were listening to and formed friendships with the customers. Bonnie (and J.O.) were members of the Church of Christ in Santa Rosa, where they worshipped and served the congregation for over 40 years. She had a "servant’s heart" and gave of herself and her resources in so many ways that it is impossible to enumerate them all. She was a devout, faithful and humble Christian woman all of her adult life, and never wavered in her faith. Bonnie was a natural cook and graciously prepared many holiday feasts for her family over the years. She loved her children and grandchildren (who affectionately called her "NeeNee") with a mother's "unconditional love". Bonnie is survived by J.O Vick, her husband of 65 years and their three children; Gary Vick and his wife Benda (of Tyrone, GA), Vicki Reed and her husband Kevin (of Santa Ana, CA), Tommy Vick and his wife Michelle (of Albuquerque, NM). Her sister Dorothy "Virginia" Kleckner (of Aztec, NM). Grandchildren: Jerrod Shiplet, Jason Vick, Ryan Vick and his wife Audra, Chelsea Cataldi and her husband Nicholas, Dustin Vick and his wife Sheryl, Brandon Grindel, Marcus Reed, Jordan, Zechariah and Ethan Vick. Great-grandchildren: Liberty, Sydney, Lorelai, Quentin and Sadie Vick. In the last years of her life, Bonnie's short-term memory started to fade, however, what didn't fade was her playful spirit, her dedication and love for her family and her kindness. Those were only a few of the wonderful qualities that were the essence of Bonnie. No measure of time would have been long enough for us to spend with her. Bonnie was with family when she passed away on Saturday, November 19th in Santa Ana, CA. The funeral and graveside services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11:00 From the Church of Christ officiated by Jim Ross, a long-time family friend and Minister for the Church of Christ in Minko, OK. All services for Mrs. Vick have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. www.chavezfuneralhome.com