Bonnie Marquis

Longtime Bartlesville, Oklahoma resident, Bonnie Jo Marquis (79) passed away at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville. She was born December 28, 1934, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Joe and Alma (Clymer) Varnum. She was educated in Luther Schools where she was a member of the FFA Club and her family rode horses in area parades as members of a riding club. She continued her education at Oklahoma A&M University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she earned her degree in Physical Education. Bonnie taught P.E. in Tulsa, Oklahoma until she married Duane Marquis, on June 21, 1958, in Tulsa. They made their home in Bartlesville where she taught P.E. at Madison Junior High. For several years she directed a children's choir at the First United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Home Builder's Sunday School class and the UMW. For many years she and her family were active in the FUMC family campers. She was a member of the Choral Society and played hammered dulcimer along with her husband on guitar in the Silver Strings Group at community events. Bonnie also loved to play the piano and sing. She worked as wardrobe coordinator with the Little Theater, as well as taught minuet lessons at the OK Mozart festival for many years. Bonnie was a member of several groups. She is a past Regent for the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and she received the Martha Washington Award from the Sons of the American Revolution. She also served as chairman for an Oklahoma Home Community Education Club (OHCE); was a member of the Quilters Guild of Bartlesville; and was an honorary member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. She served as chairman of the Washington County Fair Events Committee; was a Girl Scout leader and council member; and enjoyed playing golf. For many years, she and her husband spent the winters in South Texas where she was the director of a choral group at the Tip-O-Texas RV Park and director of the park's Church Choir. She was also a proud grandmother. Her work as a teacher and in community service enabled Bonnie to make many friends over the years that she treasured in her heart. She will truly be missed by her family, friends and community. Preceding Mrs. Marquis in death are her parents, Joe and Alma Varnum; and two brothers, Wilber and Warren Varnum. Survivors include her husband Duane; daughters, Cathy Hendrickson, and her husband Paul, of Aurora, Colorado, Linda Jennings, and her husband Steve, of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Jacob Hendrickson, Emma Hendrickson, Marissa Jennings, and Claudia Jennings; a sister Norma Cobb; many other relatives and friends.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, April 16th, 2014 9:00am - 8:00pm, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 9:00am - 8:00pm, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Service Details

Friday, April 18th, 2014 11:00am

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville