Bonita (Bonnie) Louise Benson Dowler Ross, 89, died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in
Birmingham, Alabama.
Bonnie was born in Laramie, Wyoming on August 10, 1936, to Irma (Marsh) and
Charles W. Benson. Raised in Laramie alongside brothers Warren, Joe, and Gary,
Bonnie cultivated deep roots that she maintained and cherished throughout her
life.
Following graduation from Laramie High School in 1954 she attended Phillips
University and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1959 with a B.S. in
Psychology.
In June of 1962, Bonnie married Charles Dowler. They had 2 children, Joan and
Mark, before divorcing in 1974.
Bonnie began her career as an Educator in 1960 at Carey Junior High School in
Cheyenne. In July of 1978 she earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and
Instruction from the University of Wyoming before embarking on a 35-year
career as a 7th grade Reading teacher at Laramie Junior High School. She was
dedicated to helping her students achieve their best and to sharing her lifelong
joy of reading.
In July of 1985 Bonnie married Jim Ross. They celebrated 39 years of marriage
before Jim’s death in October of 2024.
Bonnie was involved in her community and enjoyed volunteering with a variety of
organizations. While raising her children, she dedicated countless hours to
youth sports programs in a variety of roles. She supported the Laramie Plains
Museum where she loved learning about and preserving local history. She was
an active member of First Christian Church, serving on the board and
participating in a variety of committees. Bonnie was a member of Alpha Delta
Kappa national women educators honor society, P.E.O. and the Cowboy Joe
Club.
She was a diehard Wyoming Cowgirl and Cowboy fan and attended home
basketball and football games for many years.
Bonnie was a cherished friend to many remarkable women. She built deep
lasting friendships, many dating back to childhood, that enriched her life with joy
and laughter.
She was deeply devoted to her entire family and cherished the relationship and
unique bond she shared with each of them. As a hardworking single mother, her
unwavering strength and determination provided Joan and Mark with a loving
home, the ability to pursue their interests, educational opportunities and strong
family connections.
She was a woman of deep faith, true integrity, quiet strength, and gentle
kindness. Intelligent and curious, she loved a good book, had an infectious
laugh, adored her grandchildren, and was just a little stubborn. She had an
enduring love and appreciation for Wyoming, especially Laramie, which she
always considered home. She is deeply missed and will be remembered with
profound gratitude for her many attributes and a life well lived.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim; her brothers
Warren, Joe and Gary; her Auntie Floreine and Uncle Howard; her stepdaughter
Johanna; and her nephew Garth.
She is survived by her daughter Joan (Paul); son Mark (Michelle); grandchildren
Grady, Arc (Vasu), Kayla (Ben) and Benson (Calla); her great-grandchildren
Audrey and Owen; sisters-in-law JoAnn, Lynn and Suzie; stepson-in-law Zach
and step grandson Beau; stepdaughter Zelinda; nieces Ann (Alan), Liz (Dave),
Mary (Trent) and Jill (Mike); nephews Joe (Kirk), Joe (Jill) and Adam (Jill); and many
great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A service celebrating Bonnie’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August
22, 2026, at First Christian Church, 2130 E Garfield, Laramie, WY.
A memorial in Alabama will be on August 6th at 1:00 PM at Deerfoot Memorial
Funeral Home, 5360 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association
(alz.org) or to First Christian Church in Laramie in Bonnie’s memory.