Bonnie (Barnes) Sharp of University Place, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2021, at the age of 86. Bonnie was born on a farm in Atchison County, Missouri, on July 9, 1934, to Olin and Chrystal Barnes. She graduated from Westboro High School in 1952. She went on to further her education in Omaha, Nebraska, moving there with her high school friend Laurel (Craven) Meyer, who continued to be a cherished, lifelong friend to Bonnie. There she attended the Omaha Commercial Extension School of Commerce, after which she became a legal secretary to a prominent attorney in Omaha.

On July 31, 1955, Bonnie married Maurice Sharp, who was serving in the Army. They went on to live on various Army posts throughout the United States, including Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Ord, California, and Fort Lewis, Washington, before settling in University Place (WA) in 1974. Bonnie enjoyed a 35-year career selling Mary Kay Cosmetics, serving as a beauty consultant and later as a director. On November 30, 1974, she joined the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization and became an active member of the Tacoma (WA) Chapter with her husband Maurice, where she served as Chapter Commander for three years and Chapter Adjutant for 10 years. On the national level, Bonnie served as a National Director for 13 years and Jr. Vice Commander for one year. She was honored to have the privilege of attending two breakfasts at the White House with her husband Maurice, who was the National Commander at the time, and it was very special to meet President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Many times Bonnie “walked the hill” in Washington, D.C. with her husband Maurice and other Ex-POWs, and spoke to members of our Congressional and Legislative leaders, asking for their support in efforts to obtain benefits for veterans. Bonnie worked tirelessly to guide POWs to the people who could help them get their rightful disability, which she felt they so richly deserved. She was also very active in assisting the widows in their time of need. It was a very gratifying time in her life.

Bonnie’s relaxation and main hobby was her love for photography, where she spent many hours taking photos of beautiful landscapes and stunning buildings, both in the U.S. and abroad. She especially enjoyed photographing her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the constant challenge of learning, especially about photography, as the years went by. In their early years, Maurice was assigned to Hawaii for three years and the family made numerous trips back to Hawaii to visit. In later years, she and Maurice enjoyed traveling, making many trips sightseeing throughout the U.S. They also enjoyed cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada and New England. The ultimate vacations were two trips to Europe where he and Bonnie enjoyed touring eight countries: Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain and Morocco. These trips were also a rewarding time of her life because it fulfilled a lifetime dream she had for so many years.

Bonnie joins her husband Maurice, her parents Olin and Chrystal Barnes, her brother Kenneth Barnes, and her beloved granddaughter Katie Andrews in eternal peace. She is survived by her children, Dixie (Bud) Harris of University Place, Washington, Ken (Jan) Sharp of Lakewood, Washington, Roxie (Jim) Andrews of Fircrest, Washington, and Jim (Brandee) Sharp of University Place; along with 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Bonnie will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery next to her husband Maurice in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any local veteran’s organization.