Bonnie Faye Taylor

Peacefully and quietly, our Bonnie passed to her Lord and loved ones in spirit who’ve passed on before. Her courageous three-year battle with cancer is over. We will miss her charm, giving spirit, inspiration and love. Born to Raymond and Ruth Taylor on Oct. 24, 1949, in Corvallis, she became the sixth child in her family of 14 siblings. Bonnie lived in the Willamette Valley most of her life. She attended schools in Corvallis and Philomath, and graduated in 1969 from North Salem High School. Bonnie held jobs at several businesses before joining Oregon State University Custodial Services. She worked there for more than 32 years. She then attended Linn-Benton Community College until her health began to fail. Bonnie enjoyed drawing, painting, and caring for beautiful plants, but most of all she loved to dance. She had many good friends. She was a board member of Life Seeds, a nonprofit agency based in Corvallis. Bonnie married Dennis Lunsford in June 1969. They made their home in Albany. Later they separated, then divorced. Bonnie was not blessed with children of her own. She gave countless hours to her many nieces and nephews. They enjoyed good times at the fairs, coast, concerts, swimming at the river, sleepovers and hula hoop in the park with niece Jelena. She was generous and giving, having given many Christmas and birthday gifts, along with the gift of her time. Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Raymond; brother Alan Ray, an infant; brother Raymond Lee; and niece Heidi Joy Taylor, an infant. She is survived by her mother, Ruth of Albany; brothers Carrol of Philomath, Melford and his wife, Shelly, of Albany, Robert and his wife, Mary, of Albany, Mark and his wife, Cheryl, of Sweet Home, and Gregory and his wife, Irene, of Albany; sisters Norma Taylor and her husband, Ken Hilton, of Corvallis, Donna of Philomath, Mary and her husband, Jim Cruise, of Lebanon, Becky and her husband, Mike Brewer, of Lebanon, Merlene and her husband, Marc Jacobson, of Kings Valley, and Jessie of Albany; 52 nieces and nephews; and dear friend Sherry Sorby. Bonnie requested that her family and friends honor her life with music, dancing and good food. A memorial celebration will take place at 2 p. m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Corvallis Senior Center, 2601 N.W. Tyler Ave. Memorial donations in Bonnie’s name can be made to Life Seeds, P.O. Box 174, Corvallis, OR 97339.

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Bonnie Faye Taylor

October 24, 1949 - August 21, 2014