Wheel of Life — Bonnie Lee Sykes

(21 February, 1943 - 31 January, 2025)

Bonnie Lee Sykes, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 81 in Port Orchard, Washington.

Alongside being an amazing mother to her three children, Bonnie had a long and successful career as an office manager, working at Berea College in Berea, KY, The Depot in Duluth, MN, an international tile company in Louisville, KY and Great West Life Insurance in Dallas, TX. She was deeply passionate about mental health advocacy and held board positions for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Dallas, TX, and The Upper Room in Erie, PA. She was also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kitsap County, WA.

Bonnie was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand. She had a passion for knitting and founded a knitting group in Port Orchard, WA, where she found joy in both crafting and community. Her love for puzzles was evident—there was always one near completion on her dining table, ready for anyone to join in. She was also an exceptional baker, and her homemade treats were nothing short of legendary.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Gary W. Sykes of Port Orchard, WA; her children, Arica Sykes-Dawley and son-in-law Michael Dawley of Seattle, WA, Todd Sykes of Seattle, WA, and April Sykes of Bremerton, WA. She was a cherished grandmother to Maddox Dawley, Zosia Dawley, Amie Sykes, Ashly Sykes, and Sean Sykes.

A celebration of life will be held this Saturday at a private home:

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, April 5th

2:00–4:00pm

6834 Kenfig PL SW

Port Orchard, WA 98367