Bonnie Marie Grimes Gustafson Cooper, 83, of Eaton, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Greeley, Colorado. She was born in O'Neil, Nebraska, on December 17, 1941, to Donald and Barbara Grimes.
Her early years were spent enjoying the community of Chambers, Nebraska, where she lived near her grandparents and close relatives. At the age of 9, Bonnie and her parents moved to the Nunn, Colorado area and later to Eaton, Colorado. At that time, their little family started attending the Eaton Evangelical Free Church, where she remained an involved member until the day God called her home.
Bonnie graduated from Eaton High School in 1959 and soon after married Charles Gustafson of Galeton, Colorado. Being an only child, Bonnie loved being part of the Gustafson family and embraced their Swedish Heritage. She and Charles had two children, Kristine and Loren.
In her early married years, she settled into the rhythm of being a farmer's wife. She and Charles raised their children to love the Lord and family, providing a strong foundation that her family continues to build upon. After selling the farm and moving to Greeley, Colorado, she and Charles exchanged farming for other jobs. Bonnie worked as a receptionist for an accounting firm for many years. She endured the passing of both Charles and their son, Loren, in 1995.
In 1998, Bonnie reconnected with Charles's first cousin, William "Bill" Cooper, who was also recently widowed. The two married and enjoyed a loving marriage for the next 25 years. They stayed involved in the Eaton community and church, loved cheering on Nebraska sports together, participated in the Northern Colorado Swedish Club, and traveled twice to Sweden. They appreciated the strong connection they both retained with the Gustafson family. Bonnie grieved the passing of Bill in 2024.
Bonnie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her personal relationship with Christ and her love for her Lord defined who she was for the rest of her life. Bonnie chose to live her life as a lover of the Word of God. She was a prayer warrior for her family, friends, community, and the world. She was a woman willing to serve others, caring for babies in the church nursery and volunteering at the local clothing bank. She was passionate about missions and stayed connected with many of the missionaries whom she supported throughout her lifetime. She was a people-person who shone with the gift of hospitality and enjoyed numerous times of fellowship with friends over a cup of coffee. She loved reading and often swapped books with other book lovers.
Her daughter and son-in-law, Kris and Don Donahoo, treasure every moment shared with her mother. Kris is grateful to the Lord for having been given parents who poured love and faith into her life. Bonnie was blessed with ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who were the light of her heart. Her cousins and "in-law" family members were also dearly loved and appreciated by Bonnie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton, 1325 3rd Street in Eaton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bonnie's memory to the EFC Missions Fund.