Bonita Thompson Obituary

BONITA ”BONNIE” (VERKENNES) THOMPSON
July 15, 1942 ˜ October 3, 2021

Bonnie was born to Thomas and Lela (Shaver) Verkennes in Minneapolis, MN, July 15, 1942, joining older brother Tommy. She was raised in North Minneapolis, where she met and married James Kragness in 1960. Their three children were all born in Minneapolis, but Bonnie succumbed to a wandering spirit early on, and the family moved multiple times, to include Southern California, Portland, back to Minnesota for a couple of years, Eastern Oregon, eventually landing for most of her adult life in the Portland/Vancouver area, and spending her last few years In Battle Ground, WA.
Bonnie loved to travel, and was able to find her ancestral roots in Europe, with her brother Tommy. She loved to spend time with friends, learning about them and laughing with them. She had numerous occupations over the years, including starting and running several businesses. She spent a decade in Eastern Oregon with her late husband Bud Thompson, exploring and traveling as they could, and running their business.
Bonnie was full of ideas, frequently bored, loved to laugh and joke, and will always be remembered for her spunk and her generous spirit. She was a passionate democrat, and never at a loss for thoughts and opinions.
Bonnie is survived and missed by her children, Colleen Kragness (Marianne), James Kragness (Samantha), and Brent Kragness; three grandchildren, Michael Kragness, Taylor Kragness (Robert Osgood), and Lon Chavez; five great-grandchildren, Ava and Everett Osgood, and Aiden, Riley and Frankie Chavez. She is also survived by niece, Chris McGilvra; and multiple cousins in Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.
She will be especially missed by her beloved four legged companion Angus.
She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Verkennes; her beloved mother, Lela Verkennes; her dear brother, Thomas (Tommy) Verkennes; and her amazing daughter-in-law, Rhonda Kragness.
The family sends special heartfelt thanks to her caregiver, AnnMarie, as well as the entire staff at Ray Hickey Hospice House, for all of the compassionate and loving care she received from all of you! We also send appreciation to OHSU for years of expert, attentive, and detailed medical care, you all are truly amazing!
For all of you who knew Bonnie, her friends at Mill Creek Estates, for all of you who touched her life, or she touched yours, she wants you to keep finding joy, even when its hard, and she especially wants you to celebrate...Everything!
There will be a small gathering of friends at Mill Creek Estates in November, date TBD, announcements will be posted. If you choose, the family would appreciate any donations to either the Humane Society of your choice, or the American Cancer Society.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits