Bonita Lawson, age 78, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died January 31, 2024, at the Ball Hospice House after a short battle with cancer. Bonita was born on April 16, 1945, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Albert and Alice June (Ehn) Sarley.
Bonita grew up in Dafter, MI and attended Brimley Area Schools. She graduated with the honor of Salutatorian, with the Class of 1963. After high school, Bonita attended Northwestern School of Commerce in Bay City, MI where she earned a Jr. Accounting Degree. She then accepted a position in the Bookkeeping Department at War Memorial Hospital, where Bonita was employed for 40 years, retiring in 2004. Bonita married Ronald Dale Lawson, her husband of 57 years, on August 6, 1966, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
They started a family a few years later. In her free time, Bonita and Ron loved to walk and would often find them at the Big Bear getting their laps in before they started their day. She also loved to knit, and you could find her wonderful dish cloths at the fall craft fairs next to her husband's wood crafts. Her parenting style stressed a strong work ethic and the desire to live a productive life. She emphasized the difference between right and wrong in everything you do. She also gave both children every opportunity to be successful. You honestly couldn't ask for more from a wife, mother. and grandmother. She was very devoted to her grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
Bonita is survived by her husband, Ronald Lawson; children, Steven (Amie) Lawson of Sault Ste. Marie, Lori (Shannon) Lawson-Sutton of Ruckersville, Virginia. Four grandchildren, Emily and Kyler Lawson, Keegan and Seanna Sutton; sister, Janey (William) Wibby; brother-in-law, Merlin Fegan; sisters-in-law, Arlene Sarley, Sharon Forrest, and Sandy Lawson.
Bonita was predeceased by both parents, Albert and Alice Sarley: sister, Barbara Fegan; brother, Ronald Sarley; sister-in-law, Betty Aldrich; brothers-in-law, Donald Forrest, Vernon Lawson, Raymond Aldrich, and John Lawson.
The family would like to say thank you to MyMichigan Sault Hospital, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, and especially the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. The care and compassion shown at all three facilities exceeded expectations. The Family Life Funeral Home is assisting the family. No services will be provided as per her request.
