Bonita Joan (Blakesley) Crawford

Bonita Joan (Blakesley) Crawford, known fondly as "Bonnie Jo", passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024, in Lakewood, Colo., at the age of 87.

She was born on June 4, 1936, in Conrad, Mont., to Jack and Claudine (Cox) Blakesley. The family moved to Thermopolis, Wyo., when she was a young girl. There she attended the Thermopolis Grade and Middle Schools, and graduated from Hot Springs County High School in 1954.

In 1960, Bonnie married Robert Johnson, and in 1961 gave birth to a daughter, Jacqueline. While raising her daughter in Casper, Bonnie worked as an Executive Secretary for Lisco Enterprises. In the mid 1980's, she enrolled in Casper College and earned a degree in nursing. Thereafter she returned to Thermopolis to accept a nursing position at the Wyoming Pioneer Home and later at the Wyoming Boys School in Worland. She created a wonderful home on Sunnyside Lane next to her sister, Donna Robinson and cherished being surrounded by wide open spaces.

Bonnie retired in the early 2000's and in 2009 moved to Littleton, Colo., to be near her daughter and son-in-law. There she was active in church and college courses and served as a volunteer at the Jefferson County Food Pantry and a tour guide at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farm.

Bonnie was well known for her outgoing and friendly personality. Throughout her life she spent her free time camping, fishing, tying flies, engaging in numerous artistic pursuits, and caring for her beloved pets. She also relished traveling with her friends and family to new places including Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Tahiti.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Bill Trout of Littleton, Colo.; and her nephew, Roy Robinson of Thermopolis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Claudine Blakesley; sister, Donna Mae Robinson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial of her remains will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Thermopolis later this year.