Bonnie McClendon Lenz, 88
January 24, 2012
Bonnie Helen Brooke was born Jan. 27, 1923, in Pocatello, Idaho. During the Great Depression she and her family traveled to Washington, D.C., in what came to be known as the Bonus Army March.
While attending High School in California she fell in love with Lester Wallace. She left school so they could marry in 1940. The marriage survived World War II and Lester's U.S. Navy service but ended in divorce in 1955.
Bonnie was a free and independent spirit and in 1961, she moved to Deer Park, to live on a remote farm in a log cabin. She supported the farm life by working in the Food Services Industry. The inconvenience of the harsh winters was a price she was willing to pay to be close to nature and the animals she delighted in seeing.
Bonnie was a great cook and liked to entertain her many friends. She set up a still in the pump house and went into the Moonshine business. She had a secret recipe and produced a superior product. She had great success in this endeavor and soon had even more friends and customers than she could supply.
Her reputation grew to the point where the authorities took notice of her activities. On May 22, 1965, the farm was raided by the "Revenuers" and the still confiscated. Upon reflection, Bonnie decided she wasn't really cut out to be a Moonshiner and with the concurrence of the authorities she got out of the business. But she kept her secret recipe.
In 1973, Bonnie and two friends made a grand tour of Africa, India and the Far East. She had many stories to tell of their adventures and the exotic sights they enjoyed on the trip.
In 1986, Bonnie moved to Yerington, Nev. She loved the small town and its casinos. She enjoyed hosting card games and parties in her home. For many years she held "Benefit Bingo" parties with the proceeds going to help local families in need.
Bonnie was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Yerington and a member of the Mason Valley Gem and Mineral Club. While living in Yerington, Bonnie returned to school and earned her High School Diploma.
In 2007 Bonnie moved to Denton, Texas, to be nearer her son and his family. Bonnie took up residence at Dogwood Estates. She loved the residents, staff and social activities at Dogwood.
Bonnie passed away peacefully in her apartment on Jan. 15, 2012.
Bonnie lived life on her own terms and it was a long and eventful life. She had a great sense of humor and a positive attitude. She loved people and was loved in return.
Bonnie was preceded in death by two of her sons, David A. Wallace of Douglas City, Calif., and Dennis M. Wallace of Spokane.
She is survived by her sister, Carol (Denney) Weigum and husband Al of Yuma, Ariz,; her son, Randy Wallace and wife Laurel of Cross Roads, Texas; and her daughter Bonnie (Cricket) Ackerman and husband Karl of Deer Park; as well as eight grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
Paid obituary
