Murphys, CA…Bonnie Maxine (Athearn) Harper was born June 2nd, 1927, in Lodi to Allen Prince & Mary Lovelia Athearn and peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by her children in her home in Murphys, CA on September 9th, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 67 years William, son Herb, grandson Vince, sister Mary Jean Bissell, brother-in-law Don Bissell, and sister-in-law Mildred (Harper) Moran.

A 1945 graduate of Stockton High School and a 1950 graduate of the University of California at Davis, she lived in Lodi and Stockton before moving to Murphys in 1979 where she grew relationships with amazing people of all ages. She was an active member of the P.E.O. International sisterhood (Women helping women reach for the stars) until the past few years when her mobility and hearing decreased, so her dear friends came to her for visits and meeting updates.

She was an avid gardener sharing her Iris garden every spring to so many passersby, she loved her pets (horses, dogs, & cats), was at her happiest hiking the Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding Pacific Valley, always excited for UC Davis Football games, committed to the Bret Harte girls basketball games, up for a drive anytime and anywhere, enjoyed jigsaw and crosswords puzzles, lead water aerobics for friends, was the inspiration for the long family walks after holiday meals, wore a beautiful smile, never met a stranger, and had a twinkle in her eye that was full of mischief. She was active, caring, interested, strong, and faithful.

She is survived by her children William (Victoria) Harper, Robert (Therese) Harper, Tom (Pam) Harper, Donald (Susan) Harper, Mary Harper, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 3 nephews, 1 niece, and her cat Sir Lucky. The family would like to extend their gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Chris Barnes, Shelly Duquette, Linda Wyrsch, and Sherill Singleton and to Bristol Hospice of Stockton.

A celebration of life will be held at the Murphys Masonic Hall, 384 Church St. on Friday October 21st from 12:00pm- 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Calaveras Humane Society (calaverashumane.org), your local Hospice Support Organization, P.E.O International (donations@peodsm.org), or Bret Harte High School Athletics (c/o Ileana Grycel P.O. Box 208 Altaville, CA 95221)