Obituary of Bonnie Stone

A message from the family... We would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers, we ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve and move forward, as well as the many others touched by this tragedy in need of healing and comfort. Marvin and Bonnie were amazing individuals who were well loved by their families, friends, co-workers and students. Bonnie Stone, 65 of Stillwater Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 24th 2015. Bonnie Jean Flowers was born February 19th, 1950 in La Junta, Colorado to Thelma and James Blakemore Flowers, Jr. She was raised in Kim Colorado, where she graduated high school in 1968. During her high school years she was very active in the school and community including being a member of the Youth Draft Board and the Southern Baptist Church. Upon graduation, she attended Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado; here she met the love of her life Marvin Stone. Marvin and Bonnie were married December 31, 1970 in La Junta, Colorado. Upon graduation from OJC, they relocated to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University where she would receive her undergraduate degree in Archeology. In 1977 they moved to St. Louis, MO for a while before relocating to Pullman, WA in pursuit of higher education, where Marvin would receive his PhD. Washington was their final destination before settling in Oklahoma, where they both gained employment at Oklahoma State University. Bonnie was employed by Oklahoma State University for over 30 years where she most recently was serving as coordinator of Student Information Systems Operations and Training for the OSU Institutional Research and Information Management. During her time at OSU, Bonnie held positions in several departments including enrollment services and student data, production and operations of annual payroll accounts, and systems support for the Oklahoma State University record database and ID card system as well as microcomputer technical support for the University’s Financial Aid and Bursar’s office. Bonnie has been described by many students as a “people person” with a friendly face. She was a mentor and a knowledgeable expert assisting deans, directors, department heads, academic advisers and support staff. She was an avid supporter of the university, and the athletic departments, especially the basketball team, happily sacrificing her voice the following day from cheering so loud for her Cowboys. Go POKES! She was a farm girl through and through, manifesting her love of animals, in particular her horse Chico. Bonnie was an extremely gifted, talented, and loving wife, sister, and aunt. Bonnie, always humble, didn’t enjoy being in the spotlight, but was always the driving force behind the scenes. Bonnie and Marvin where inseparable, and while they never had children of their own, they mentored hundreds of students and nieces and nephews alike. She was an avid bicycle rider and explorer. Some of their hobbies included hiking, backpacking, camping, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Bonnie is survived by her Sister Barb (Don) Devie, Niece Alexia Devie, and Nephew James B. Devie of Las Animas, CO. Sister Lynn (Alan) Smith and Niece Miranda (Alex) Ricken-Haffner of Fallon, NV. Great Niece Rileigh Ricken of Weathford, OK. and Niece Tekla (Joe) Tafoya, Great Nephews Douglas, Johnathan, and James Shearer of Wray, CO. She is also survived by a large and loving extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother Thelma Flowers, Father James Blakemore Flowers, Jr., and Sister Heady Glaspie.