Bonnie L. (LaFleur) Apache passed peacefully at her home in Albuquerque at the age of 77 on January 25, 2021. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 9, 1943. Bonnie spent most of her childhood growing up in Denver, Colorado where she attended Cherry Creek High School. She was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly number 57 where she was a Worthy Advisor and she learned proper etiquette, designed dresses, and attended many Airforce cotillions.
Bonnie met the love of her life Joe Apache in December of 1959. They were married shortly thereafter and proceeded to have three children. She was proceeded in death by her loving husband Joe, father Gabby LaFleur, and grandson David Apache. Bonnie is survived by her son Kevin Apache, daughter Kristee Apache and her companion Eric Padilla, and Kara (Rick) Roberts; grandchildren Jillian (Jason) Esquibel, Toni Ann Garcia and her companion Jorge, Whitney (Troy) Fernandez, Zach (Shawna) Fernandez, Joseph Apache, Hillary (Aron) Roberts; great-grandchildren Thomas and Brandon Esquibel, Isaac and Isaiah Garcia, Alayah Fernandez, Elijah Vigil, Vivian, and Genevieve Roberts; sisters Marcia Stevens and Carol Berry, numerous nieces and nephews; and very special family friend Kathy Spargo.
Bonnie especially enjoyed her career with her time at Dr.’s Tiku Office, MCMC, and the Colfax County Treasurer’s Office.
Bonnie loved sports, including time spent in Cimarron Canyon with her and Joe’s best friends Henry and Jackie Fanelli and their daughters Pam, Brenda, and Becky. With Joe being an avid hunter and shooting sports enthusiast, Bonnie spent a lot of time hunting with Joe and son Kevin, as well as at the NRA. Bonnie participated in a bowling league with Kara. She also treasured her time golfing, winning the Tiger Paws golf tournament with Kevin twice.
Bonnie enjoyed both professional and college sports being a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Connecticut Husky Girls Basketball team, and the Duke Blue Devils. She loved watching her grandchildren in their endeavors from band and choir to cheerleading and sports. Bonnie instilled independence and confidence in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bonnie’s services will be held at Yaksich-Long Funeral Home on January 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Arrangements under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Bonnie, please donate to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs or a charity of your choice.
To the Apache Family, I would like to send my sincere condolences to you all for the passing of Bonnie. I and I should say we because Bob and I considered both Bonnie and Joe dear friends. They were some of the first people we met when we moved to Vermejo 35 yrs ago. We enjoyed time spent with them. I will always remember one special day when your dad drove all 4 of us around picking pinon. We even went to the top of Indian Head where we found pinon as big as our thumbs! I know they are both happy together in heaven. God bless them both. Prayers sent to all of you. Love Diane