Bonnie Marie Schmaltz

Long-time Walla Walla resident Bonnie Marie Schmaltz, aged ninety years, died Friday, January 27, 2017, at the Odd Fellows Home. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. at the Central Christian Church in Walla Walla.

Born May 29, 1926 in Condon, Oregon to Elza and Ruby (Kenaston) Wallace, Bonnie married Robert C. Schmaltz in Condon on October 28, 1945. They moved to Walla Walla in 1952 where they raised their five children: Ruby Carol Smith of Walla Walla, Robert A. Schmaltz Sr. of Walla Walla, David A. Schmaltz of Golden, Colorado, the late Susan Marie McCormack of Marysville, Washington, and Kathy Ann Carey of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A long-time member of Central Christian Church, Bonnie was an avid gardener. Aside from her role as wife and mother, she ran her own seamstress business for many years, crafting gowns for local women. She owned and operated a local rental referral agency, Home Seekers, as well as working variously outside her home as a legal secretary, school secretary, and dental assistant. She was a past member of Sweet Adelines. Bonnie and Bob attended many plays and concerts in the local area and traveled widely. In later life, she discovered joy in reading.

Bonnie came from pioneer stock with deep roots in the West. One of her great great grandmothers arrived in Oregon in the early 1850s. A great grandmother traveled the Oregon Trail on horseback twice. Her earliest New World ancestor arrived in Connecticut colony in 1626, and her family history reads like American history writ as large as her life.

She suffered from Parkinson’s Disease over her last thirty years, moving into assisted living at Eagle Meadows before taking up residence in the Odd Fellows Home. A line of able caregivers supported her through her final years. She delighted in a considerable following of former caregivers who visited her as her lessening mobility necessitated relocating. She was revered everywhere for her sharp wit and wry smile.

Throughout her life, Bonnie fulfilled the role of caregiver for a long succession of her kin, tending to them through their final days. She also raised more than her five children, serving as foster parent for many and surrogate parent for even more. She taught Girl Scout Blue Bird and 4-H groups the rudiments of sewing and also entered many items for judging in the Southeastern Washington State Fair.

Bonnie’s home was the center of many people’s lives for over a half century. Her kitchen served as the preferred gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors, and the only place where Christmas and July Fourth could be properly celebrated. Her influence broad; her legacy, legend.

Bonnie is survived by four of her five children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, and nine great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Susan, and great granddaughter Nevaeh.

Make memorial donations in Bonnie’s name to Walla Walla Valley Hospice, whose compassionate care ushered this fine woman out of this life.