Arvita Marie Bonner peacefully passed away at her son Bill's home in Mount Vernon, Washington on July 22, 2023. She was surrounded by family and filled with love and comfort. Arvita was born June 30th, 1928, in Vernon, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. William Gordon.

She was the youngest of 12 children and enjoyed growing up in a large family where she formed loving, close relationships with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arvita cherished and nurtured those enduring relationships, and they became the foundation for her positive and loving approach to life.

In 1953, Arvita met the love of her life, Harold Bonner, at a dance and three months later they were married. Following the wedding ceremony in Vernon, Texas, the happy couple set off to Fairbanks, Alaska, for what would turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime. Harold had already begun his professional career in Fairbanks, and he was determined to return there. Their honeymoon was driving the Alcan Highway and they remained in Fairbanks for 35 years.

Arvita and Harold made the most of their Alaskan adventure, settling into family life, raising three children, Karen, Julie, and William "Bill" with Arvita humbly and quietly becoming the cornerstone of their family. Arvita took great pride in caring for her family, her home, happily doing her best to support her husband as he built a thriving and very successful business.

Even today, raising a family in Alaska has its challenges. During the early years those challenges were even greater. In winter, the negative 30-degree weather and few paved or plowed roads didn't stop Arvita from ensuring her children got to and from school. She ensured the kids made friends with children who weren't necessarily right next door.

Arvita regularly attended the Fairbanks First Methodist Church, joined the Pioneers of Alaska and was a proud member of the Rebekah Lodge. Arvita also became an accomplished bridge player, forming lifelong treasured friendships with wonderful women who shared her love of the game.

Harold loved the outdoor life Alaska afforded, as did Arvita. They shared that love of nature with their children, building a cabin on the Salcha River where the family shared many years of wonderful trips along the river fishing for grayling and enjoying the great outdoors. Later they also added a cabin at Harding Lake and enjoyed it in the summer and winter, making new memories with family and friends.

Arvita was a devoted wife and loving mother, and she was dearly loved by family and friends. Arvita was fun, smart, kind, gentle and a true Southern lady. She was also an amazing cook known for her fried chicken!

At the end, we all felt she was ready to make her final journey to join her beloved Harold for their next adventure and to be embraced in the arms of her dear mama and daddy, her daughter Julie and all her loved ones who passed before her. For those of us left behind, we will miss her every day for the rest of our lives.

Arvita was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold, daughter Julie and daughter in law Rebecca.

Surviving family members include her daughter Karen (Leo), son William "Bill", son in law Frank, grandchildren Jason, Amanda, Nicole (Jared), Stephanie (Beau), Bradley (Staci), Eric, William Jr. (Kate), Antonio (Jessica) and Samuel; great-grandchildren Connor, Cara, Gabbi, Riley Sue, Zoe, Piper, Kinley and Elanor.

A Memorial service for Arvita Bonner will be held August 12th, 1:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, WA.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.