On September 12, 2023 our world changed with the loss of our Mother and Grandmother, Bonnie M Busse. She was a fierce advocate and a very present source of love and guidance to her children and grandchildren. She traveled near and far to sporting events, life events and never failed to tell us she loved us. Our lives were so much more enriched because of her love.
She was born the third child of George Bert and Elithia June Lee on April 28, 1947. She was a natural born leader and teacher. She was very proud of working with her dad and brothers in the summer building fences and helping around the house. She was also an accomplished seamstress and crafter and took immense pleasure in teaching us all how to crochet, sew and make bead ornaments. She would often donate crocheted items such as blankets to auctions benefiting local people in need.
She always wanted to be a teacher and would often make her younger siblings play “Schoolhouse” with her and her role was always the teacher telling them to study and what to do. She went on to get her teaching degree and eventually her Masters. She taught Special Education for 19 years, then teaching various grades and retired in 2014 teaching Kindergarten. Her students meant so much to her that she continued to sub with two school districts often working full time hours and she was the type of person that would gift a child or their family with warm coats or groceries in times of need.
In 1969 she married Jerry Busse and had two children Lynne and Mike. A few years later they welcomed Terry Disney to the family. The use of the cell phone was a great asset to her as she could have unlimited photos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to show anyone who would stand still long enough.
She had many friendships through the years and enjoyed many adventures. She could always be counted on to help a friend in need or lend a compassionate ear.
She is survived by her children Lynne (Karl), Mike and Terry. Her 8 grandkids Marshall, Jessica(Mitch), Falan, Mataya, Jerry(Aaron), Makenna(Wyatt), Maggie and Caleb. Her Great Grandchildren Austin, Kenzie, Raea, Jackson, Haylee, Audrina, Hunter and Veronika. Her brothers Tom(Sharon) and LeRoy(June) and sister Georgia. Sisters in law Patty and Carolyn and Brother in law Scott(Dee). Many nieces and nephews, students and friends.
Services will be held September 30, 2023 at the Naselle-Grays River Jr/Sr High School at 793 State Rte 4, Naselle, WA at 11 am. In lieu of flowers if you feel it in your heart donate to a local school district in her name to help her keep serving students.
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