Bonnie Jo Skinner

SKINNER, Bonnie Jo, age 80, of Chama, NM passed away peacefully in her bed on Thursday, September 7th. Bonnie Jo was born in New Castle, Indiana on January 26, 1937. She was the eldest of five daughters born to Elmer and Doris Smith. Bonnie Jo loved learning and worked hard to achieve her goals. She passed her love of knowledge and books to her daughters and she always made sure there were books and music available to her children. Bonnie Jo was a mother to three children, Kathy Sutherland-Bruaw, Rebecca Sutherland (Terry Richardson) and David Sutherland, (who preceded her in death on January 13th, 2006). She had six grandchildren Jessica Johnston, Maia Bruaw, Lacey Bruaw (Paul Masih), Joseph Bruaw (Brittney Bruaw), Paloma Sutherland and Marcus Sutherland as well as five beautiful great-grandchildren, her life partner Chris Madrid and her longtime friend Ronald Anderson. Many thanks and gratitude to the overwhelming amount of love and support from friends. A special thanks to Ambercare, Officer Ronnie Carrillo and Rivera Mortuary for the kindness and compassion they extended to our family during this challenging time. Bonnie Jo had a deep faith in God and shared compassionately with others in need. She was a person free of judgement with an unconventional spirit, always ready to give sound advice. She will be deeply missed. There will be a celebration of life service on September 23rd, 2017 at 3:00pm at the Chama Community Church. The Skinner family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Rivera Family funeral Home and Crematory of Espanola, New Mexico