LAKE STEVENS — Giving. Courageous. Virtuous. Gentle. Caring. Kind. These are just some of the words used to describe Bonnie Barnhart at her memorial Oct. 13.
To her husband, only one word was needed: perfect.
“I never met a woman who had that kind of selfless love for others,” JB Barnhart said. “She would always encourage me with everything and anything I did. We had 17 years of marriage, a perfect marriage. We never fought, never argued, she was a perfect woman.”
Barnhart, of Lake Stevens, struggled with cancer for several years, though according to her friend Annie Sgro she counted it all as joy since her illness had brought her to a relationship with Christ.
Her doctors even remarked on her strength due to her strong faith and positive attitude. It wasn’t until the last three years that the cancer took a turn for the worst, as it claimed her vision, hearing and sense of smell.
“It was unreal, the way she continued to give to people. Even as she began to lose her senses, she would still show up to church, Bible studies and prayer groups and be there for people,” Barnhart said.
“It really amazed everyone, and it still amazes me. Here is this woman who is suffering, going through something I hope no one ever has to go through, and instead of shutting herself off to people she is giving to them. Listening, talking, praying, caring. People would walk away from her blessed.”
Barnhart’s giving attitude was apparent to everyone early on. When taking care of her elderly mother in their home, she organized a senior citizens Bible study in their house so that she could enjoy the fellowship of others.
Soon the house became a center of prayer, study and compassion as the home became a place of solace and spiritual encouragement, according to Damian Livermore, associate pastor of The Father’s House in Granite Falls.
“She loved what she did,” Livermore said. “I would often join them for their weekly Bible study, and that is where I came to learn what a special person Bonnie was.”
Livermore also reflected on the qualities she displayed despite her disease.
“I marveled at her thankful attitude. Despite the circumstances she had been through and the difficulties she lived with day to day, she was thankful for the presence of the Lord in her life, giving her strength and peace for each day,” Livermore said. “I was really encouraged by Bonnie’s life.”
After being hospitalized several times over the course of the last three years, seven weeks ago her condition took a turn for the worse.
“It became a little more serious,” Barnhart said. “Over the years she always came home. But this time, this time she didn’t come home.”
Bonnie Barnhart died on the afternoon of Oct. 1, surrounded by friends and family at the Providence Colby Campus in Everett.
Since she was 17 she worked for various telephone and communications companies as an operator. She worked in the industry for 23 years.
As well as being active in church, she was also active in antiquing and restoration. Her prized possession was a Wurlitzer Silvertone phonograph from the 1800s.
“She got it stained and tarnished. It had been sitting in a basement for some time,” Barnhart said. “But when she was done with it, it looked like it was in its mint, original condition.”
Her talent, strength, humor and kindness will always remain with her loved ones. “If you remember her for what she was, and in that way she lives on,” he husband said.
Barnhart is survived by her husband John “JB” Barnhart; sons David and Brian Templeman; her mother, Mary; her brother David; her sister, Lauri; and grandchildren Trenton and Dryden.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
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