Bonnie M. Gartung, a cherished member of her community, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on April 13, 1941, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, she spent her formative years in Afton, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors and family life.
Growing up under the guidance of her father, Doyle Medus, Bonnie learned essential skills such as fishing, shooting, and riding horses. She was actively involved in her family’s business, the log cabin “Corral Motel,” alongside her mother, Nola Medus. Bonnie completed her education at Afton High School with honors before pursuing higher education at the University of Wyoming and Utah State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology.
After her studies, Bonnie moved to Woodland, California, and began her career at Woodland Memorial Hospital, working in the laboratory until late 1979. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Greg Gartung, in the middle of 1975. The couple married in 1977, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership.
Following a brief period in Portland, Oregon, Bonnie and Greg returned to California, where she joined Kaiser Permanente at the Morse Avenue Hospital. Over her 25-year tenure, she advanced to the position of blood bank supervisor, earning respect and admiration from her colleagues.
Bonnie’s adventurous spirit was evident in her love for travel. She enjoyed river cruises in Europe, relaxing getaways to Hawaii, and excursions throughout the Caribbean, often accompanying Greg on his diving trips. The couple took four memorable road trips across the United States and relished a particularly beautiful fall journey through New England.
Her leisure activities included reading, playing bridge with friends, and golfing with the “Niners” at the Yolo Fliers Club. Family and friends were central to Bonnie’s life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 48 years, Greg Gartung, residing in Madeira Beach, Florida, as well as her daughter Stephanie DeBusk of Sanford, North Carolina, a cousin named Carol Boecker, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Cheryl Kesterson of Reno, Nevada.
In accordance with Bonnie’s wishes, no services are planned. Those wishing to honor her memory may consider making a donation to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/donate/ or to Pinellas Hope at https://pinellashope.org/. Additionally, planting a living memorial is encouraged as a tribute to Bonnie M. Gartung.
