Bonnie Eileen Thayer

Bonnie Thayer

July 29, 1946 – Nov. 19, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie Eileen (Wodtli) Thayer on Nov. 19, 2024, at her home in Sweet Home.

Surrounded by her loving family and her beloved cat, Charlotte, Bonnie left this world as she lived it – wrapped in love and comfort.

Born on July 29, 1946, to Howard and Nellie M. (Humphries) Wodtli, Bonnie grew up on a 90-acre farm at the top of Ames Creek Road in Sweet Home. It was there, amid the beauty of nature, that she developed a lifelong love for reading. Her home was always filled with books, and despite her annual resolution to finish her current collection before buying more, she was a frequent visitor to the Friends of the Sweet Home Library, where she happily added to her ever-growing collection.

Her passion for literature also inspired her to own and operate The Odyssey Book Shop in Lebanon for several years.

In the early 1970s, as a young mother, Bonnie began a career in the timber industry, working in sawmill offices. She quickly became known for her knack with computers, bookkeeping, and tax preparation. She generously offered her expertise to friends and family, preparing their taxes for free, always with a smile and kind words.

Bonnie was a woman of many interests, but above all, she was passionate about her friends and family.

Known for her unconditional love, kindness, and sage advice, she was the person everyone could count on for support, whether through actions or words.

Bonnie is survived by her sons, Larry Coonrod Jr. (Monique Cohen), and Rick Coonrod (Theresa); her first husband, Larry Coonrod; brothers Ron Wodtli of Mossyrock, Wash., and Rick Wodtli (Carol Brown) of Eugene; brother-in-law, Wayne Stockdale of Eugene; nieces: Donna (Israel) Hodges of Noti, Beth Wodtli of Mossyrock, Wash., Jill Harding; nephew Roy Israel of Eugene; and the light of her life, her two granddaughters, Sara Yamasaki (Pedro) of Seattle, Wash., and Emily Steinbacher of Albany, who brought her immense pride and joy.

She also leaves behind countless friends who were touched by her generosity and love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Nellie Wodtli; her brother, Michael Wodtli; her sister, Francis Stockdale; her daughter, Tracy Coonrod; and her beloved husband, William “Bill” Thayer.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Evergreen Hospice for the exceptional care and comfort they provided to Bonnie and her family during her final weeks.

Bonnie Eileen (Wodtli) Thayer will be remembered as a beacon of love, wisdom, and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Friends of the Sweet Home Library in honor of Bonnie’s love for books and reading.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com

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