WAUKESHA - Bonnie Rae Stickles, 54, of Waukesha, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2000, at home surrounded by her loving family. The Lord God received one of his strongest spirits. We have lost our matriarch, someone who has made a difference in everyone she met. She had a warm, giving heart that will be with us always.

Bonnie was born April 12, 1946, to Robert and Esther Gardinier. She graduated from Pewaukee High School in 1964 and Waukesha Technical College in 1965. Bonnie worked for Alloy Products for two years. She married Gordon Stickles on May 21, 1966. She quit work once Leah was born and only returned to the workforce when Cheryl and Scott were off to school. She went to work at Northview Elementary, Prairie Elementary and then to Hawthorne Elementary. Children were her passion, especially those with extra needs. She had a special insight into people’s strengths and needs and could never say no when a need arised.

Bonnie was a faithful and active member of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She and her husband were editors for the newsletter at church for nine years and she was a member of the church council.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her husband, Gordon; her children, Leah (Michael) Fehling of Elkhorn, Cheryl (John) Jordens of Racine and Scott (Rachel) of Waukesha; her seven grandchildren, Noah, Emily, Evan, Samuel, Kelly, Kristen and Allyson; her very special mother-in-law, Charlotte Stickles of Waukesha; her brother-in-law, Kenneth (Glynda) Stickles of San Diego, Calif.; and her brothers, Dennis (Lois) Omick and James Omick of New Berlin. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert Howard; her sister, Joan; and her brother, Richard.

The funeral service for Bonnie will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde St., Waukesha; the Rev. James Wilch officiating. Friends may call Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or Hawthorne Elementary School are appreciated.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 542-6609, is serving the family.