Darlene Joan Bonham

Darlene Joan Bowen Bonham was born on March 14, 1931 in Rock Rapids, Iowa to Winfred & Esther Bowen. Darlene was one of 13 children, with 11 sisters and one brother who died as an infant. Her resilience impressed us more than anything. Darlene had a difficult life as a child, and after her father died, she was bounced from the children’s home to one foster family after another. Times were tough for Darlene and her sisters, but they found a way to lean on each other and make a life for themselves. Mom was uprooted many more times throughout her life, but she made her home wherever she was. She was the last surviving sibling of her 11 sisters, cherished in-laws, and her husband Ivan. Mom may have had a challenging life, but her spirit never faded.

In 1950 Darlene met Ivan Clayton Bonham on a blind date and three months later they were married. Ivan’s railroad job took them all over Texas, with four kids in tow. Darlene always said when she married into the Bonham family that she instantly felt welcomed and loved. Uncle AJ always says that he fell in love with her the minute he set eyes on her. Jean and Ruby became like sisters, and Uncle Lee and Bob were like brothers.

In 1966 Darlene and Ivan moved their family to Somerville, New Jersey to help start a new Church of Christ congregation. They met some wonderful families in New Jersey, and treasured their friendships and their time there as did her four kids.

Mother loved Christmas and loved buying presents for her family, but most of all, she loved the spirit of giving and the time that she was able to spend with her family. She loved to see the decorations go up and always put off taking them down. From this year forward, whenever we place an ornament on the tree we will think of our sweet little mom.

Mom enjoyed reading and loved to write poetry, and she was good at it. She was able to write one last poem for her newest great granddaughter due in May, a poem we will always cherish.

Mother was a living example of the “fruit of the spirit” She lived one day at a time by considering who she could pray for or help in some way. A beautiful Mother. Darlene would say “I Love you, I really, really, do” because she wanted you to know the depth of her love.

Mom stayed connected with Donaphy’s kids and family Cynthia, Linda, Rick & Rodney and she loved them with all her heart. She treasured the phone calls from Linda and valentine’s cards and letters that she would receive from Sophia, Jocelyn and Maria. We were so blessed that she got to see everyone last year and spend time with her beloved sister’s family.

Mother can be remembered by her unending desire to give to others, and her last years were exemplified by that. She gave time, she gave wisdom, prayer, songs, poems, needlepoint, purses, she would give you everything she possessed if you asked her for it.

Mom loved birds and all animals, her favorite thing was to sit in a chair on the back porch and watch the birds and the squirrels. Her favorite bird is the cardinal and she always talked about the legend of the cardinal. Mom’s favorite dogs are Brutus, Pepper, Sully & Whiskey, and Crew & Napoleon.

So, our sweet Mom/Mema
God Watch Over You,
We love you, we really, really do

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Darlene Bonham at a luncheon/memorial service on March 4, 2020.

Date: March 4, 2020
Location: The Potters House 6777 West Kiest Blvd, Dallas 75236
Time: 11:00 am – Lunch and Memorial Service
Procession: 12:45 pm – Procession to DFW National Cemetery
Graveside service: 1:30 pm – Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers please made a donation to a charity that is close to your heart.