The Odessa Record -

Although our dear Bonnie left this life on May 8, 2018, she will always stay in the hearts of her family and friends. May 7, 1941, was the day she was born and began her life in Spokane. Seattle was eventually where Bonnie would continue her schooling, and meet her high school sweetheart. Their romance led to a 59-year marriage, three children, seven grandchildren and her first great grandchild, who will be making her appearance this July.

Bonnie was important to so many. Her children knew she would always be there for them, sharing their journey and being a mom they felt so fortunate to have. Her darling grandchildren knew there was nothing Grandma wouldn't do for them. They have grown up feeling the sun rose and set with her. Bonnie saw them grow up to be independent and caring young people. Especially dear to Bonnie were the countless hours she felt privileged to be able to accompany them on innumerable shopping trips, to movies, special events and sharing long talks and adventures they would have. She truly was a delight to their lives. Bonnie's friends saw her as the go-to person for in-depth conversation, sharing fun events and thinking she was one of the most gracious friends they could have ever been blessed knowing.

Bonnie's own adventures after marriage took her numerous places. Their first home was a 10-acre old farm house on Camano Island. Moving to Alaska after the earthquake in 1964, later being transferred out to a remote native village in Aniak in 1969, where her husband (an Alaska state trooper) was assigned to open and man a new "one man remote bush post", also serving temporary duty in Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks and Anchorage. Talk about an "adventure" for a "city girl." Their journey brought them back to the Seattle area for many years, and then to the east side of our state settling in Chewelah. Here was perhaps the most adventurous move of her life, as she and her husband purchased the popular Nordlig Motel. Bonnie truly showed her business abilities and love of meeting new people, always welcoming those just passing through and families in the area enjoying the many year round outdoor activites Chewelah is known to offer.

While in Chewelah Bonnie became perhaps the most popular resident there. She belonged to many community clubs that supported and enhanced the area. She worked tirelessly on committees for the Soroptimists, the Chamber of Commerce and Community Celebrations. It was in this club that she truly showed her creative abilities. She became, by unanimous decision of its members, the event coordinator for both the annual Chataqua summer festivities and the winter Festival of Lights celebration. She worked year round, locating talent for each, as well as decorating the beautiful Chewelah Park for each event. She was even known to spot a string of lights, (among the thousands) burned out before the lighting event, and go to the park to replace them herself! It would be impossible to count all of the efforts and time she freely devoted to her "new town." Here she established truly loving friendships with people who will never forget her.

After selling the motel she and her husband relocated to Odessa, where other family members enjoyed living. Odessa offered a serene and beautiful little town just great for raising children. Her son Chris, and his wife Tianii and their two sons followed. Chris, a skilled auto and truck mechanic, created Costlow Services. Soon both daughters moved to the area, making it their family town. Here in Odessa, Bonnie also showed her creative talents, donating her time to Deutschesfest and other activities. She especially enjoyed dressing up in authentic German attire for the September event. After many years in the area, Bonnie and her husband retired to Spokane, where she would live until her passing.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father Melvin Goldsmith, mother Angeline Nelson, and mother-in-law Alaska Costlow. Those she leaves behind include her husband Ron Costlow of Spokane; son Chris Costlow (Tianii) of Odessa; daughter Shelley Costlow (fiance Dennis Empson) both of Spokane; daughter Jennifer Johnson, Valley; and her beloved little sister Nanette Tomsha of Tampa, Fla.; her grandchildren Jason Costlow (fiance Jeanae), Daniel Costlow, Kyle Costlow (Polina), Kassandra Costlow, Katie Johnson (fiance Thomas), Justine Johnson (fiance Dru), Alaska Johnson, and soon-to-be great granddaughter Kate Marie. A much loved cousin, Larry Connelly, uncle Geno Nelson, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews are left to miss Bonnie also.

Washington State Veterans Cemetery will be the setting for Bonnie's memorial service June 29, 2018 at 3 p.m.

Bonnie received loving and tender care at Spokane Hospice House, and those wishing to make a memorial in her name would be greatly appreciated by her. P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210-2215.