Bonnie Anne (Bearse) Barton

Bonnie Anne Barton, 69, passed away on September 1st, at her home in Albuquerque, NM, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 48 years, retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Terry L. Barton. She was born in Newark, NJ, the only daughter of Frank and Adele Bearse.

Bonnie graduated from Warren Hills Senior Regional High School in Washington, NJ, and from Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, NY. She had a distinguished career with Southwest Airlines, serving as a flight attendant for some three decades, where she is remembered for her friendly, caring, and pleasant personality.

Bonnie and Terry were married shortly after Terry's graduation from West Point. She embraced life as a military spouse, pursuing a first career in health care as the couple moved from base-to-base. They settled in Albuquerque after Terry's retirement from the USAF. Bonnie's second career with Southwest Airlines brought her to towns all across America. Her infectious smile brightened the days of thousands of travelers. She grew fond of her aviation crewmates and traveled with a cherished "band of sisters." In her spare time, she enjoyed reading books, tackling thread-craft projects, and learning everything related to the TV show NCIS. The daughter of a WWII combat veteran, Bonnie enjoyed volunteering for Honor Flights, helping veterans travel to visit memorials in Washington, DC.

Other family members include stepmother Marie A. Bearse, sisters-in-law Connie A. Bearse and Nancy M. Bearse, brother Stacy V. Bearse, nephews Courtney V. Bearse (Nicole) and Quentin A. Bearse (Emily), grandnieces Zoe, Laney, and Abby Bearse, and grandnephew Benjamin Bearse. Bonnie's constant feline companion "Gibbs" could be found curled up on her hospice bed during her final days. Bonnie was predeceased by brother Jeffrey F. Bearse.

A memorial service commemorating Bonnie's life will be held on Thursday, September 8, at 11:00 a.m. (MDT) at St. Paul's United Methodist Church (9500 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM). In lieu of flowers, Bonnie requested donations to Presbyterian Hospice (8100 Constitution Place NE, Suite 400, Albuquerque, NM 87110).