Bonnie (Moore) Blair |
| Posted 2014-12-19 by Sharla |
| The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/19/2014 Anchorage resident Bonnie Blair, 72, died peacefully Dec. 3, 2014, at home. Bonnie was born Nov. 12, 1942, in Dearborn, Mich., the only daughter of Lyal and Madeline Moore. The family moved to Tempe and she graduated from Tempe High School in 1960. She worked for Maricopa County Hospital. Bonnie was a skilled square dancer; designed and created costumes for others. In 1968, Bonnie moved to the White Mountains of Arizona and began her very colorful career as a “cowboy” on corporate cattle ranches. She raised her children riding horses and working seasonal roundups. She loved being outside, animals, rodeos, fairs, gardening and music. Bonnie worked tirelessly outside and enjoyed cooking and sewing. Others were treated to baked goods, handmade quilts and clothes. Bonnie worked on several ranches in Arizona and New Mexico, striving to provide and care for her children. Bonnie also worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a support coordinator for Hot Shot fire crews in Arizona and Montana. She moved to Flagstaff in 1980, working for the hospital and for CH2MHill, as petroleum spill response team support. She opened a restaurant and catering service in Flagstaff. In the mid ‘90’s, she joined her grown children in Alaska, living in Kenai. She worked on the spill response team at CISPRI until her retirement, returning to Flagstaff and Tucson briefly until her final move to Anchorage in 2009. She loved sharing Alaska with visitors, especially Homer. She enjoyed sewing and crafts and giving gifts to everyone she knew. Bonnie, AKA “the Almond Roca Lady,” made candy for everyone during the holidays. She was proud of her grandchildren and attended every function. Many knew her simply as “Grandma Bonnie,” caring and helping others with a smile and hug. Her sidekick, Precious, accompanied her everywhere. Bonnie is now able to care for her youngest son, who she missed every day of her life, Samuel Ridge Blair. She is survived by her children, David Range and Laura Blair of Flagstaff, Sheryl and Ed Sotelo of Homer, Alaska, and Shelly-Vendetti Vuckovich and Todd Vuckovich of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren Jessica Sotelo, Matt Vendetti, Zac Vendetti, Chelsea Flake, Deejai Bump and the many children she loved and considered her own grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to Kincaid Elementary PTA for a new playground and equipment adapted for disabled children. This effort is in celebration of the accomplishments of her great-granddaughter, Claire, who will be able to utilize this playground safely and independently, and it will be a continuing legacy for happy and healthy children. Donations may be sent to Kehl’s Chapel or Shelly Vendetti-Vuckovich, 8411 Berry Patch Dr., Anchorage, AK 99502. A celebration to honor her memory will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Kehl’s Chapel, 11621 Old Seward Highway, in Anchorage. A celebration will also be held in 2015 in Arizona, so friends and family members there can attend. Bonnie will be laid to rest with her youngest son, Samuel Ridge Blair, in Arizona. |
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