Ethel Mae Bonney

Ethel Mae Bonney, 97 of Salida, journeyed to her eternal home on March 7, 2019. She was born in Salida, Colorado on February 13, 1922. Ethel was the youngest of nine children of Swiss/Italian immigrants George and Bessie Bonney. She was raised on a family farm on the outskirts of Salida until 1938, when the family moved to their new home on 1400 block of G street. She was devoted to her family all throughout her life, and looked after her mother, father, brothers, and sisters during many illnesses and trying times for the family. Ethel graduated from Salida High School in May 1940. After graduation, she began working at the Salida Woolworth, where she worked for two years as a retail clerk. She later took a position as a clerk at Oxford’s Market in Salida (later known as Don’s Food Town) and worked there for 46 years until her retirement at age 66. Despite her retirement, she still picked up an occasional shift at the market well into her 70’s. Ethel never wanted to obtain a driver’s license, rather, always opting to walk to and from work each and every day. After retirement, Ethel was active with the Salida Senior’s Center, traveling with groups to British Columbia, California, Hawaii, and South Carolina. In her free time, she enjoyed reading Danielle Steele novels and doing word search and puzzle books. Ethel was an avid Broncos and Rockies fan, and rarely missed a game on TV. She was also a keen collector of owl memorabilia, and had an extensive collection of owl figurines and other collectables. She was also a lover of animals, and was always happy to feed the birds, deer, and squirrels that frequented her yard. Ethel was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salida. Ethel is survived by two nieces and one nephew, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Tom and Janet Oversole would like to pay special tribute to the administrators, nurses, and staff of Columbine Manor for their exceptional care and concern for Ethel during her stay – many of you were like members of her extended family. A graveside celebration of Ethel’s life will be held in the spring. Time and location to be announced.

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