10/11/2026
Doreen Elizabeth Bonham
December 24, 1951 – October 7, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen Elizabeth Bonham (Funk), who passed away suddenly on October 7, 2026, at the family homestead near Ryley, Alberta at the age of 74.
Doreen was predeceased by her beloved husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” Bonham (2022); her eldest son, Robert “Bobbie” Bonham (1993); and her parents, Henry and Alvina Funk as well as infant sister Gail.
She leaves to mourn her passing her children, Annielouise (Craig) Heffer, Linda Harper, and Michael (Karla) Bonham; her nine grandchildren, Lacee Bonham (Kyle), Dyllin (Cailin) Danilak, Jaymie-Lynn (Conor) McGill, Keishon Harper (CJ) , Dawson Danilak (Cassidy), Kiara Harper (Keaton), Travis Luscombe (Kirsten), Austin Bonham, and Annelynn Bonham (Jordan); and her great-grandchildren, Walker Danilak, Garrett and Casey McGill, with three more great-grandchildren that were eagerly anticipated. She is also survived by her siblings, Carol (Gary) Giesbrecht, Janice (Gerald) Regehr, and Glenn (Sara) Funk, along with extended family and many friends.
Born on December 24, 1951, in Consort, Alberta, Doreen was raised on the family farm with her parents and siblings, growing up with a simple life until she graduated and moved to Calgary with her sister Carol while doing a variety of jobs. Prior to Janice moving, Doreen always enjoyed w**e Wednesday’s with her sister. Doreen also enjoyed speaking with Carol and Glenn over the phone and catching up on family comings and goings.
In 1970, Doreen met Bob and after only knowing each other for a short period of time, they decided to embark on a road trip which lead them to get married in Ontario. From there they began building a life rooted in family and hard work. Doreen travelled to various provinces prior to Algeria and the Canary Islands with Bob and few unexpected stops before moving to the family homestead and the land they called home.
As a devoted farm wife, homemaker, and businesswoman, she worked alongside her husband, Bob, and her ever-growing family for many years building and operating successful farming and oilfield businesses after moving to the family homestead outside of Ryley, Alberta in 1979. Life on the farm was never short of work, and Doreen approached it all with determination, resilience, and an unmistakable strength of character. Many of these years, Doreen, the children and the grandchildren operated the family farm while Bob was away working in the oil field.
Family was at the centre of Doreen’s world. She spent countless hours in the kitchen cooking and baking for those she loved, and making sure there was always food to take out to the family working in the fields. An excellent cook and baker, she showed her love through the meals she prepared, the care she gave, and the countless ways she made sure everyone was looked after. Her kitchen and her home were places where family came together, and those memories will be treasured for generations.
Doreen was known for being stubborn and hardworking, and she took great pride in caring for her home and yard. Her lawn was a particular point of pride, and she meticulously mowed her grass even when everyone else thought it was already short enough. She had been looking forward to getting her lawnmower repaired, only to never get the chance to use it once it was fixed. It was a bittersweet reminder of her determination to keep busy and her love of tending to the place she called home.
She also had a special love for birds and dogs, finding joy in the simple things that made her homestead feel like home. Whether she was tending to the yard, preparing a meal, helping with the family businesses, or making sure those working in the fields were fed, Doreen was always finding a way to care for the people and place she loved.
Doreen leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and deep family devotion. Her strong will, generous heart, wonderful cooking, and unmistakable personality will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her kitchen will be quieter and the family homestead will not be the same without her, the life she built and the love she gave will continue through the generations of family she leaves behind.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2026 at Salem Mennonite Church south of Tofield.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Doreen would have wanted you to spend that time with your family, making memories, sharing laughter, and cherishing the moments you have together. To her, there was nothing more valuable than the time spent with the people you love.
