Bonnie Barbara (McLatchie) Buckelew peacefully went home to the Lord on May 24th, 2023. She shared 82 years of life with her precious family and friends who will miss her dearly and remember her so fondly.
Her journey complete, she leaves behind her beloved sons Gary Dean Jr. (Kathy), John Frederick, and David Wayne (Heather); grandchildren Rebecca, Melissa, Matthew, Cassidy, Grace, and Adam; great-grandchild Remi; and sister Jackie Horton. Also mourning Bonnie are the countless friends, neighbors, and companion animals whom she loved.
Bonnie Barbara McLatchie was born July 16th, 1940, to John and Ethel McLatchie of Saginaw, Michigan. Curly-haired and tenacious, she was born destined to make a mark. Bonnie was, firstly, a proudly devoted wife and mother. Her love for her family was honest and unconditional, creating a warmth that felt like sunshine on the skin. Characterized by her quirky personality, dazzling smile, wry humor, and impeccable fashion, she set a grand example of what it means to love your authentic self. Bonnie was determined and hard-working, earning her high school diploma from Saginaw High School, followed by her associate degree in business studies from Delta College. Bonnie worked as a bookkeeper for decades before returning to her favorite job – family matriarch. She was a devout member of the Lutheran faith and invested herself and her resources in volunteering with her community. Bonnie filled her days with beauty.
Talented beyond what words capture, she was a prolific craftsperson. Her hands created thousands of works of art, from quilting to painting to jewelry making, heart and passion on display in each project. Sharing stories, secrets, meals, laughter, and even tears with Bonnie was a great privilege just to be present in her light. Though no amount of time with her would have ever been enough for those who loved her, her legacy will be evergreen in our hearts and memories.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, she rejoins her soulmate and once-in-a-lifetime love, Gary Buckelew Sr., her adored son Richard Buckelew, daughter-in-law Wendy Westcott, brother Earl (Bill) Pohlman and his wife Florence, sister Lois Voisine, and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 720 2nd Street, Tawas City, Michigan 48763, on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 with Pastor Gabriel Martin officiating at 1:00 PM. Her family will welcome friends at the church on Wednesday for a time of visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral.
Bonnie will be laid to rest in the Wilber Township Cemetery following her church service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the Zion Lutheran Church in her honor.
An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for her family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com
