In Memory

Bonnie Sheets (Frum)

 

 

On April 19, 2016 Bonnie died peacefully at home surrounded by her children and friends after a year-long journey with endometrial cancer.

Born September 2, 1945 in Kingman, Arizona to Roland and Verde Sheets, Bonnie grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She graduated from Highland High School in 1963, and from Arizona College of the Bible in 1967.

In 1968 she moved to Colorado Springs where she worked as a Young Life staffer for four years. She delighted in sharing the joy of Jesus with high school kids, and made many close friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

In 1971 Bonnie married Buzz Frum and they had three children Christi, Matthew and David. In 1981 Traci Abeyta and Brandi Castillo came to live with them as foster daughters. Bonnie's top priority was always her five children, each of whom regard her as one of their dearest friends.

Throughout the years, Bonnie was involved with numerous organizations. She taught Sunday School classes, hosted prayer groups and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs. In the early 1990's Bonnie and Buzz were proud to serve as co-presidents of the local chapter of PFLAG - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Bonnie was a great lover of people, nature, flowers and chocolate (especially with nuts) -- and ideally all at the same time! A highlight of many summers was hiking amongst the high-alpine wildflowers near Crested Butte, and tending the abundant blooms in her yard.

Her love of nature also fueled her passion for the Garden of the Gods, where she enjoyed working for 17 years as the Visitor Center's Operations Manager. She often remarked how blessed she was to get to experience such beauty and gratitude every morning just driving to work.

Some of the most cherished hours of her day were those she spent with the Lord every morning at her kitchen table, late afternoon in her garden, and while walking the 3 miles of her favorite route circling the neighborhood bluffs. She kept a long list of family, friends and strangers around the globe for whom she actively prayed.

Up to her final breath, and the radiant smile that spread across her face afterwards, the greatest love of Bonnie's life was Christ. Recently, when reflecting on what might be written in this obituary, she said, "How can I tell people that if they liked me, it was because they liked Jesus?"

Bonnie is survived by her five children, five grandchildren, brother Ron Sheets of Mission Viejo, California, and sister Judy Hendren of Belen, New Mexico.