Bonnie B Stokes

Bonnie Jane Baker Stokes died peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 3. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July of this year, and received hospice care at home until her death. She was tended by her daughter, Patti, during her illness.

Bonnie was born on November 18, 1926 in Alhambra, California- where her parents moved after leaving Texas for California in 1922. Her only brother, Thomas Baker, Jr, died in childhood. Her sister, Norma Jean Baker, preceded her in death in 2004.

Bonnie was Valedictorian of her high school graduating class, before moving with her family to Auburn. As a young woman, she worked at Burn’s Drug Store, as well as at the DeWitt Army Hospital, where she tended young soldiers from WWII.

She met and married James David Stokes in 1947. Together, they had three children, David Lee Stokes, Patti Diane (Stokes) Creekbaum and Judy Stokes. Jim served more than 33 years in the Placer County Sheriff’s Department and retired in 1989. They enjoyed their free time together until Jim died in 1998.

Bonnie was primarily a homemaker, and also worked part time for 33 years at the Gold Country Fair, managing many details of the annual fair. She also served the Board of Directors of the fair, and was involved with the Auburn Historical Society. During the child-raising years, a major outlet was her weekly bowling at the Foothills Bowl. True to her nature, she became involved in the workings of the bowling leagues as well.

Bonnie loved her family, the City of Auburn, and was fascinated with words, their origins and meaning. She lived a quiet, dignified and responsible life, yet displayed a wicked sense of humor.

She is survived by her children, David Stokes (Cindy) of Citrus Heights, Patti Creekbaum (Auburn) and Judy Stokes (Sacramento.) Also her grandchildren Cyndi Nash, Glen Haydon, Neil Haydon, Max Haydon, Ian Haydon and Hannah Creekbaum - and her great grandchildren, Dalton Howell, Jace Mahlet and Damien Nash.

A viewing will be held at Chapel of the Hills on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 between 5:00-8:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held at Chapel of the Hills on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. Visitors are invited to stop by Bonnie’s home immediately after the burial for a brief visit. Memorial donations can be sent to the Auburn Historical Society, care of the Chapel of the Hills.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.