Profile photo of Bonnie Lea Chappel

Bonnie Lea Chappel

AugAugust 24th, 1949 AugAugust 19th, 2025
Beaumont, California
Bonnie Lea Chappel

Don’t remember me with sadness.
Don’t remember me with tears.
Remember all the laughter
We’ve shared throughout the years.
Now I am contented
That my life was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile. "

Obituary

Bonnie Lea Chappel (née Jackson) was born on August 24th, 1949, to parents Jack and Elaine in Tacoma, Washington, where she would spend most of her childhood along with her younger siblings, Gerry, Nancy, and Luann. As a young girl, she enjoyed playing with paper dolls and reading comic books, and she would often be sung to sleep by her father with a lullaby that she would later sing to her own children and grandchildren. She also spent a lot of time with her maternal grandparents at the family-owned rodeo, where her grandfather, Glenn Betts, would perform rope tricks on his "wonder horse" named La Paloma. When Bonnie was in 8th grade, she met Jim Chappel in their shared choir class at Keithley Middle School, and they went on to be friends throughout high school. Graduation came and went, and as the two became closer, they fell in love and were married on June 22nd, 1968, at Tacoma's First Presbyterian Church. Bonnie believed that something inside of her "knew" something inside of Jim and that they were simply meant to be together.

Jim and Bonnie's careers led them to various places, including Seattle and even Anchorage, Alaska, where they welcomed their first child, Carrie, in 1970. Though their stay in Alaska only lasted a year or so, they made many memories that they would carry with them back to Tacoma in 1971. Five years later, their son Christopher was born, and when he was a toddler, the family relocated to Puyallup, where they eventually settled down in the "family home". They lived in this house for 25 years, watching their children grow up and, in 1999, welcoming their first grandchild, Elliott. During this time, Bonnie went to modeling school and would be featured in several runway and photo ad campaigns before later finding work in Weyerhaeuser's Analytical Chemistry Lab, a position she would hold for 24 years until her retirement in 2007. Bonnie was beloved both in and out of the workplace for her vibrant personality, kindness, and her way with people, which gained her many friends over the years.

Once Bonnie had retired, she and Jim started living as snowbirds, spending their winters at their second home in Buckeye, Arizona, before deciding to live there full-time starting in 2011. They met and befriended many other residents and always had some kind of get-together planned, whether it was a dinner party, a round of golf, or karaoke night at the clubhouse. Then, following the births of their second and third grandchildren, Kieran and Moira, in 2014 and 2018, they made the decision to move to Beaumont, California in order to be closer to their family. While it was hard saying goodbye to the community they'd built, they kept in touch and made sure to make time for vacations and cruises with some of their dearest friends. Of course, Bonnie joined Jim in making many new connections, too, easily making an impression with her positive attitude, wonderful sense of humor, and thoughtful nature. She spent her spare time baking, singing and dancing, and—most importantly—making memories with her family and friends.

Bonnie passed away in her home on August 19th, 2025, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, in the company of her devoted husband Jim. They were married for 57 years.

Bonnie's Family

“A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I hear a voice that whispers, ‘GRIEVE NOT FOR ME.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs—
The good life I lived WHILE I WAS STRONG.’”

Parents:

M.W. “Jack” Jackson (1918–1974)
C. Elaine (Betts) Jackson (1924–1999)
Husband:
James Chappel (1947–)
Children:
Carrie Chappel (1970–)
Christopher Chappel (1976–)
Grandchildren:
Elliott Ector (1999–)
Kieran Chappel (2014–)
Moira Chappel (2018–)
Siblings, In-laws & Niblings:
- Gerry Jackson (1951–2022)
Terri Jackson (1954–)
Dan Jackson (1973–)
Amanda (Jackson) Spruell (1976–)
Randy Jackson (1977–)
- Nancy (Jackson) Hosler (1955–)
Thomas Hosler (1953–)
Larissa (Hosler) Mellor (1990–)
Cameron Hosler (1992–)
- Luann (Jackson) Corso (1960–)
Pat Corso (1958–)
Michelle (Corso) Redline (1983–)
Michael Corso (1984–)
- Jennifer Rocks (1977–)

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Memory Wall

Post your condolences or share your memories. We encourage you to return and post more as more memories come to you.


November 12, 2025
Pinned
Bonnie loved Christmas! It was her favorite time of year, and she couldn’t wait to start celebrating. She loved the decorations, the food, the festivities, and the big pile of presents. We always had a big Christmas, even in the years when we had to struggle to make it happen.

About 20 years ago, Bonnie changed things up by wrapping everyone's presents in different paper and not putting tags on the packages. That way, she could wrap everything early and no one would know which gifts under the tree were theirs! Then, she put a piece of each person's paper in their stocking so they could find their packages on Christmas morning. The kids loved it, and even the grandkids got their own paper when they were old enough.

Bonnie also decorated the guest bath downstairs in our Washington home to be Christmas all year round. We had it that way for at least 10 years, and people loved seeing it. It was a real conversation starter. She loved watching Christmas movies—her favorite was Elf—and we always watched the Muppet Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve. She also really liked Hallmark Christmas movies.

Of course, Bonnie loved a lot of Christmas music, especially the Carpenters' Christmas album, and she always wanted to start playing Christmas music early, around August. Her favorite Christmas song was "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"—specifically the original Gayla Peevey version.

We had other traditions through the years as well, and I know we’ll try to carry many of them on. It won’t be the same without Bonnie, though. She was the glue of Christmas, and I think she built a sort of Christmas legacy for us. This season, and every Christmas to come, we’ll remember Bonnie’s joyous Christmas Spirit.
Jim Chappel
August 27, 2025
Pinned
Why did you marry me? Bonnie asked me this many times over our life together but I don’t think she ever really accepted the answers I gave her early on. Later in our marriage I think she did - at lease I hope she did. But, who wouldn’t want to marry Bonnie? She was a wonderful, beautiful person with a kind and loving heart. Sweetheart, I married you for many reasons: your enchanting smile, your sense of adventure, your sense of humor, and your inner beauty. But, mostly, because I loved you. I am so happy and glad you were my wife and that it was you I got to live the ups and downs with these last 57 years. Thanks for standing by me. I love you with all my heart and soul Bonnie, and I will love you long after I’m gone - forever. I will see you everywhere - a glint of sunshine, a butterfly, a sparkle on the water, a kind word- everywhere. I will always miss you. Good night my love.
Jim Chappel
December 10, 2025
My sincere condolences are with you and your family. I only had the opportunity to meet Bonnie at our family reunion at Aunt Adeline's in Selah. She was like a great ray of sunshine. She will truly missed by all. I think God had additional plans for our families in 2025. My son's wife Danelle in January. Gary Ogburn in May. Neal's wife Shelagh in July and Bonnie in August. In reading about her love for Christmas was her favorite time of year. I hope you will carry on her wonderful spirit during the holidays. I believe all are watching from above. They are all loved and terribly missed. So I am sending holiday wishes from our angels above. They are fine and learning how to use their wings to drop down to see us and, give us that unknowingly hug to let us know they are ok.
Carol Johansen
October 2, 2025
“Our Bonnie” is already deeply missed. From the time we first moved into this neighborhood, Bonnie and Jim were the heart that gathered us all together and made sure everyone knew everyone and felt included. Bonnie was always full of kindness, always full of fun, and always beautifully decked out.

From Lodge events to gatherings at their home—usually involving cards or some kind of game—Bonnie created joy wherever she was. During COVID, they even organized a 6-feet-apart social hour, and showed up at our murder mystery dinner in full costume. She embraced life with laughter and style.

In the early days, we enjoyed line dancing, karaoke, and celebrating our birthdays together, just a day apart. It’s so hard to believe that such a beautiful “flame” has gone out, but the warmth and light Bonnie shared will always remain with us.”
Rhonda Louden
September 17, 2025
Last visit with Bonnie a couple years ago in California so many great memories with working with her at Weyerhaeuser and many, many sleep over weekends with Carrie. Her house was always immaculate and decorated with flair and style. She was a class act ❤️
Bobbie Gagnon
September 5, 2025
Our friendship with Jim and Bonnie started at Northwestern Drug Co. in Tacoma.
We have great memories of our road trips together and our "dinner club" - 5 couples that had wonderful dinner parties at each others homes for 15 years. We remember that Bonnie loved Christmas, "Good Morning America", Taco Time, music, Chris , Carrie, Her "Little People" and real whipped cream. We enjoyed so much visiting Jim and Bonnie in Arizona and loved getting singing phone calls on our birthdays.
A Shining Light has gone out. She will be missed and remembered .
Jim and Lois Rollag
September 5, 2025
Bonnie was my favorite person at Weyerhaeuser. I enjoyed my talks with her everyday throughout the years we worked together. So many of us spent time with Bonnie outside of work and have such wonderful memories. I will cherish the Loteria games and movie nights. Thanks Bonnie for all the talks, laughs, and kindness. Love you and miss you.
Katy Hammargren
September 4, 2025
It's my first birthday without you, and it's already feeling bittersweet. I remember you used to say that we have a choice when we wake up in the morning of whether we'll be happy or sad that day, but it just isn't the same. I love and miss you so much. I promise I'll do 26 as best as I can.
Elliott Ector
September 2, 2025
Bonnie was definitely a glass half-full person. She was beautiful inside and out. RIP, cousin.
April Lynne
September 2, 2025
Another wonderful picture from a cruise.

Ann
Ann Moon
September 2, 2025
We were heartbroken to see Bonnie when we visited her in July. We want to remember her in the many times we spent together whether here in Arizona, in California, or during the many trips we took with Bonnie and Jim. On our road trips Bonnie would always watch for trains. When she spotted one, she would shout out “Train”. We also remember listening to her amazing singing voice either at Karaoke or in the variety show at Sundance Adult Village. We know we will see her again. That is the faith that we hold close.

George and Ann
George and Ann Moon
August 30, 2025
I met Bonnie shortly after I mover to Four Seasons four years ago. She was out walking with Judy and she was so delightful. We talked for about 30 minutes like we had know each other for a long time. I will always remember Bonnie for her warmth and grace and kindness.
Karen Belcher
August 29, 2025
I will always remember Bonnie as one of the most kind and caring people I have ever known. Her personality brought joy to everyone she was around. She often shared stories of the times Jim and she spent with Carrie, Chris and their families and how much that meant to her. Bonnie and Jim have beautiful voices and I remember them singing “Unforgettable” at a community event in AZ. The audience was so impressed and moved by the performance as they were truly two people meant for each other. I was blessed to have Bonnie as my friend. She has left her family and friends the greatest gift of all, so many lovely memories that we will always cherish.
Susan Krohmer
August 29, 2025
We are heartbroken about Bonnie’s passing. She was a sweet caring person who will be sorely missed. One of our fondest memories is dancing to Black Velvet with you and Bonnie. Jim you always had a devilish look in your eye. So much fun. We need to remember all of the good times we had together. You are both in our hearts.
Bea and Jim
Bea and Jim Sauvage
August 29, 2025
Bonnie was such a joy to work with for almost 20 years! I made a point to stop in SMO every day to visit with her for a smile and a chat. There are so many fond memories it’s really hard to choose which to mention. Once I stopped in and she was nowhere to be found so I went into the cold room to grab samples and there she was! Just hanging out waiting for a hot flash to pass. Another one is when Bonnie, Maxine, Kari and I did karaoke to Diana Ross and the Supremes at a holiday party. I’m so glad we kept in contact after retirement and I was able to visit her and Jim at their home in AZ and then in CA. Love you Bon!
Hugs! -MB
Mary Beth Lanza
August 29, 2025
We both came from the other side of the tracks, or at least the middle. Our families were not sophisticated and we were immature kids. No one suggested that we get a room in a nice hotel in town, and we didn't know. We could even have afforded it because Bonnie's grandmother secretly slipped her a $50 bill as we were leaving, and her granddad slipped me a $100 bill. Nice chunk of change in 1968!
I just started a management training program 2 weeks before our wedding and could only get one day off. So we left for a 2-day honeymoon to Vicoria BC about 8 PM on our wedding day. We drove North until we were hungry and decided to stop for the night in Everett WA. We selected the Rip Van Winkle Motel for our wedding night - we didn't know any different. I took our marriage license to check in thinking they might not rent us a room. They did and we had our first night together. This became quite the joke in later life because nobody would actually choose the Rip Van Winkle!
Bonnie called home the next morning to check in and was embarrased to talk with her Dad - becasue now he would know what we did! Memories
Jim Chappel
August 29, 2025
Bonnie set the standard for being able to maintain a positive attitude during tough times. A major portion of samples and test request information for the labs passed through her group. For the technical folks, she was the face and voice for the labs. Her smile and laugh through those times are what I remember. Condolences to her family and friends.
Randy Eatherton
August 29, 2025
About 18 years ago, I invited my mom on a trip to Leavenworth around Christmas time. I had lived away from my parents for most of my adult life so this was one of the first times my mom and I did something together as adults since I moved back to Washington. Leavenworth is always fun, especially at the holidays, but we really had a blast and the best part was when we decided to have licorice ice cream in the snow and our tongues turned black. Love you Mom!
Carrie Chappel
August 28, 2025
I've known Bonnie for over half my life. It has been an honor to work with Bonnie - her trust and collaboration meant so much to me. I feel grateful to be part of her retirement journey. Her kindness and positivity touched me and she lit up the room or the phone with her smile that I could visualize coming through the phone. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Hugs.
Shane Klingenstein
August 28, 2025
Growing up with Chris, I always felt so welcome over at the Chappel house. Bonnie was so kind, warm, and fun - even when we would fill the dining room with boys playing fantasy wargames. I remember her laughing along with our goofy in-jokes.
Dylan Fitterer
August 28, 2025
Oh Bonnie what a bright light to all and full of positivity. Our time together at Weyerhaeuser was a delight and I always looked forward to seeing her. Even after our time at Weyerhaeuser end, she would always stay in contact and make time to visit. Bonnie left so much good in the world. This picture is of one of our bingo parties at work. We would gather and play bingo with cards that were in Spanish with different pictures on them (loteria). We had names for all of them and sometime associated people with them (I tried to claim la Pera because I had big hips). She was La Soldado because every single time that card was drawn, we would have to pause so she could sing "Soldier Boy". We would patiently wait and laugh when she finished and sometime sing along. Love you Bonnie!
Heather DeJesus
August 28, 2025
Hi Jim,

We were so heartbroken to hear about Bonnie. Thinking of all the good times we shared – those amazing Super Bowl parties, the hilarious Christmas gatherings, and even those "Cast on, Cast off" parties! Bonnie always made everyone feel so comfortable and loved. She'll be truly missed.

We're sending you tons of love and support during this tough time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need absolutely anything at all – whether it's a shoulder to cry on. We're here for you.

Thinking of you,

Mike and Marie Baker
Marie Baker
August 27, 2025
I remember the day I turned 35, Bonnie placed signs all up the driveway of Weyerhaeuser tech center saying "Lordy Lordy look who is 40." I spent the rest of the day proving to people I was only 35. She was so much fun to work with for almost 25 years
Dennis Catalano
August 27, 2025
As a 14 year old, I was honored to be a photographer at your wedding !
Remembered you and Bonnie singing "Sunrise, Sunset " at the rehearsal dinner.
And grateful that you both joined us in December 1993 on my parent's 50th anniversary cruise.. photo attached..
I will miss her good humor and smiling face !
Darrin Moore
August 27, 2025
Jim, this is really a beautiful tribute to Bonnie. As I was reading the posts and looking at the photos, I was thinking how this task of creation, which demanded focus and was perhaps a very temporary distraction from shock and grief, was inherently painful as no doubt it brought back many memories and was a reminder of your great loss.

I am so sorry for your loss and for what Bonnie (and your family) suffered as she dealt with this horrible condition. I will be donating, in memory of Bonnie, using the link you've provided.

Matt, Dan, and I send our sincere condolences to you, Carrie, Chris, and your grandchildren.
Cheryl Peach
August 27, 2025
My first memory of Bonnie here at Four Seasons was meeting her and Jim at the Bistro. They had moved in fairly recently and we started talking. My husband was recovering from a stroke and they were so kind and listened. They gave me their business card with their photo and contact information. I thought that was such a fun idea! I still have it 7 years later.
Bonnie was especially kind to my husband and when she embraced him with that stellar hug, time stood still for a moment. Bonnie was indeed one of the good ones. ❤️
Tina Canon
August 27, 2025
Not long ago Bonnie quietly stood before me holding a tray of beautiful glass and stone hearts and asked me to pick my favorite.

I knew instantly which one. It was a soft peach glass heart. Bonnie said, "OH! That is my favorite heart too! But please, take my heart."

So I did.

The day Bonnie passed away that heart cracked.

I will always cherish Bonnie's beautiful heart.
Judy Jacobson
August 27, 2025
This photo was taken April 2008 on our 40th aniversary Southern Caribbean cruise. This was two 7-day cruises back-to-back out of San Juan Purto Rico, and we had the cabin for both weeks.
Jim Chappel
August 26, 2025
Mom and I spent a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in 2023. It was such a nice day, just the two of us. We enjoyed the water, the mud, the grotto, and had a nice lunch. I'm thankful for the time we were able to spend together.
Carrie Chappel
August 26, 2025
I'll always remember how Mema and I would run and slide along the hardwood floor in our socks, how she'd have me unload the silverware from the dishwasher, and how I'd stand with her waiting to dry the dishes she washed by hand. I had so much fun growing up thanks to her, and I'm so thankful she was my grandma. My Mema.
Elliott Ector
August 26, 2025
We celebrated Dad's 75th birthday in 2022 with a cruise and Mom and I had one day together where we did our own activities while Dad and Carrie did something different. We had a very nice day just the two of us.
Chris Chappel
August 26, 2025
A nice day together with Mom and the family from earlier this year.
Chris Chappel
August 26, 2025
Although there were more than a few bumps along the way, I'm very glad we were able to take this last family trip together with Mom.
Chris Chappel
August 26, 2025
4 generations photo. Bonnie with her mom, grandma and daughter Carrie in Metropolis IL, 1985. Metropolis is, of course, the home of Superman. More importantly, it's the birthplace of Bonnie's dad, youngest of 15 children, born in 1918. The old Jackson homestead and the one-room school house were still ther at the time of this visit.
Jim Chappel
August 26, 2025
1967 "Silvertones." Bonnie is bottom row left.
Jim Chappel
August 26, 2025
1966 "Silvertones" a trveling swing choir from Franklin Pierce High, Tacoma WA. Bonnie is back row, second from left. Jim is back row center, the tallest person.
Jim Chappel

Lewy Body

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you please donate in Bonnies name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association to support research, diagnosis, and care efforts.
www.lbda.org/donate

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of dementia behind Alzheimer's, but most people have never heard of it. The disease was first identified through the discovery of abnormal protein deposits, later named Lewy bodies, in the early 1900s by Frederick Lewy. The understanding of LBD as a distinct form of dementia, however, developed much later, with the first case reports and diagnostic criteria emerging in the 1970s. Kenji Kosaka, a Japanese psychiatrist and neuropathologist, reported the first autopsied case of "diffuse Lewy body disease" in 1976. 

LBD is a terrible disease that progresses much faster than Alzheimer's. The Lewy body acids move about in the brain destroying the connections to the muscles and most bodily functions, and near the end stages, the patient is completely incapacitated. Lewy body dementia is distinguished from Alzheimer's disease by symptoms like movement disorders (including Parkinsonism), hallucinations, and fluctuating alertness, which are less common or appear later in Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease primarily begins with memory loss and a steadier, more gradual decline, whereas LBD symptoms can emerge quickly and are often a combination of cognitive, behavioral, sleep, and movement issues. There is no cure or treatment for LBD, and there is no definitive way to diagnose it or tell if a person had it until an autopsy is performed—but that may change thanks to research currently being done on diagnosis methods. You can help by making a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

We thank you very much for contributing to such an important cause that is so close to our hearts.
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