Mickie Elaine Erb Bonde dies at 87
Mickie Elaine Erb Bonde.
–Mickie Bonde died in Paso Robles, California, on April 14, 2018, following a long struggle with dementia. She was 87. A resident at Ada’s Vineyard at the time of her death, Mickie died peacefully while lovingly cared for by her long-time caregivers at Ada’s and her daughter, Mary. Her son, Chuck, was also close by.
Whether it was quilting, gardening, or, most importantly, caring for her family and loved-ones, Mickie spent a life-time working and ministering to others through the work of her tireless hands. That and her laughter are what her family and friends will remember most after 87 years of a life well-lived.
Born on December 26, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Milo and Lillian Erb. Along with so many other families affected by the Great Depression, the Erbs packed up their car in 1936 and headed west. Because Milo had to work odd jobs when and wherever he could, the trip to California took over a year. The family ultimately arrived and settled in Paso Robles. Mickie grew up and attended school in Paso Robles and was proud to graduate as a member of the Paso Robles High School class of ‘49ers. During her years in school, Mickie developed a life-long love of playing sports, singing in choirs, and gardening. Her children remember that it was always Mom, not Dad, who played baseball with them when they were growing up and that except for quilting, she much preferred being outdoors to being inside. She was often found with a shovel in her hand either planting something in the yard or digging up old bottles. For many years she was an active member of the SLOBottle Society. On August 20, 1950, Mickie married Edwin Carl Bonde at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paso Robles. They had three children: Charles (Chuck) Eugene, Alan Carl, and Mary Elaine, and had been married for 41 years at the time of Ed’s death in June 1991.
An avid gardener with a talent for flower-arranging, Mickie took care of the flowers at Trinity Lutheran for many years. Her talents also led to her working in the Horticulture Department at the California Mid-State Fair. After a few years of assisting, Mickie became the director of the department leading to her being inducted into the fair’s 2008 Hall of Fame. Mickie and Ed also enjoyed camping, so after Ed’s retirement they bought a truck and trailer and joined the Happy Trails Camping Club. Years of working with flowers, arranging them and coordinating colors, ultimately led Mickie to combine this work with her sewing and develop a love of quilting—what she often called her “obsession” and became a devoted member of the Almond Country Quilters.
More than anything, Mickie had a deep love for her family and had a smile and a laugh that one wouldn’t easily forget, even as she struggled with dementia her last years. It is this love and laughter that Mickie’s family and friends will remember the most. Mickie enjoyed a good story almost as much as she enjoyed a good laugh.
Mickie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, her son Alan, and brothers Eugene and Elver Erb. She is survived by her son Chuck, daughter Mary (Gordon) Shaffer, sister Sally Tartaglia, and daughter-in-law Deborah; her four grandchildren Amy Christina Paul, Sarah Elaine Heath, Dawson Carl and John Joseph Bonde; five great grandchildren: Addie, Brennan, and Ella Paul, and London and Kingston Heath; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Mickie’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, at 3:00 on May 2. Services are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Mickie’s name to Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum (also a passion of Mickie’s), or the charity or organization of your choice.
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