Bonnie Arlene (Thomas) Bates, 79, was born on June 13, 1944, in Valliant, OK, the daughter of Artie Hubert Thomas and Tommie Lucille (Woolsey) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim Thomas, Howard Thomas and sister, Margie Archie.

Bonnie was a lifelong resident of McCurtain County, OK and a graduate of Valliant High School. She went on to further her education and obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing at Texarkana College. Bonnie was a registered nurse and worked in the medical field for many years. She worked as the administrator at Alliance Health and King's Brother Nursing Home both in Durant, OK, several clinics in Southeastern Oklahoma area and later retiring from McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, OK. Upon retirement, Bonnie got to spend more time pursuing her other passions, which involved helping others, just like her professional career. She loved being involved in the community and helped put together many things over the years. Bonnie loved quilting and shared that with her family and community. She always helped with the Quilt Show for the Valliant Watermelon Festival and helped the OHCE Felker group with hosting events. Bonnie also spent many hours volunteering at different nursing homes and hospitals even after her retirement. She truly had a servant's heart and loved to care for people. Bonnie also had a love for animals and flowers. She had many cats she cared for throughout the years and enjoyed digging in her flower beds in her spare time. However, Bonnie's greatest love in life was for God and her family. Her passing has left a void in her families lives but her memory will live on through those who knew and loved her.

Bonnie is survived by her nephews, Ronald Archie and wife, Lisa of Valliant OK, Darren Thomas and wife, Audrey of Ashdown, AR, Sean Thomas of Wright City, OK, Neal Thomas and wife, Tina of Pencil Bluff, AR and Mike Thomas and wife, Jovan of Mena AR; niece, Lisa Reece and husband, Keith of Valliant, OK; great nephews and nieces, Emma Thomas, John Henry Thomas, Hannah Thomas, Leland Thomas, Sarah Archie, John Reece, Caleb Reece, Haillie Grey, Matthew Thomas and Braden Thomas; four great-great nieces and one great-great nephew; sister-in-law Carolyn Thomas of Fort Towson, OK; along with a host of other friends and loved ones.