Lucille Dorene Bonnikson was born June 17, 1934-ish (she’d kill us if we gave away her actual age) in Fortuna (“Rohnerville,” as she would say) to George and Grace Somerville. With family by her side, she went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2026. Lucy was the youngest of three children and never failed to share her knowledge of being the baby with her grandkids by teaching them how to get their older siblings in trouble!

When she was 15, Lucy met her soulmate, Norman Bonnikson, at the skating rink. They married a couple of years later and built their house on the plot of land they were given by her parents. Lucy and Norman had Pam, and a few years later, Rick followed.

Having outgrown their “little house” on Church Street, Norman and Lucy decided to build a larger house in Campton Heights, where Lucy lived for the rest of her life. The family was completed with the birth of Mike, 10 years after Pam.

Tragedy struck when Norman was killed in an accident at Pacific Lumber Company in 1968. Lucy would never date or marry again. Following the loss of Norman, Lucy joined the work world and began making life-long friendships with her coworkers. At Ben Franklin’s, she was part of a dynamic trio with her friends Joan Woodhurst and Judy Meadors. Her final work place was Wendt Construction, where she was part employee and part company mom. She was known for her Friday lunches that she made from scratch and her endless supply of cookies and candy.

Outside of work, Lucy was usually up to something fun. Whether it was family road trips with her brother Bob and sister-in-law Val, hijinx with her partner in crime Betty Ross, Reno trips with Joan, or dinners with her bookend and arranged best friend Doris Scalvini, Lucy was always having a good time.

Lucy’s greatest joy came from her family. She was always so proud of her children and their achievements. Lucy loved her grandkids got the pleasure of having all four of them come over in the morning before school during their Toddy Thomas years for breakfast of silver dollar pancakes or toast with butter dunked in coffee. She never missed a presentation, sports game, showmanship event or school event with her grandkids in it. She was blessed with five great-granddaughters who are always on the go! She loved keeping up with their adventures. Lucy loved having the family gathered together at her house. She always hosted Christmas Eve with her house decked out in decorations and full to bursting with presents, food and cookies. Christmas will never be the same without her. Without question, her family is her greatest legacy.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Somerville; her husband, Norman Bonnikson; son Rick Bonnikson; her sister Viola Georgia and brother-in-law Johnny; brother Robert Somerville and sister-in-law Valerie Somerville. She is survived by her children Pamela Berry (Jay Pollard) and Michael Bonnikson (Trudy); grandchildren Amanda Berry (Scott Grothe), Brandi Butler (Brian), Til Bonnikson (Bre) and Calley Bentancourt (Kyle); and great-grandchildren Quinn Scott, Lainey Butler, Lucy Butler, Isla Bentancourt and Loni Butler, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Lucy’s medical team at United Indian Health, Redwood Memorial, Hospice of Humboldt, and the entire staff at Fortuna Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

A celebration of Lucy’s wonderful life will be held at the Nazarene Church in Fortuna, on June 6th at 3 p.m. Please wear bright colors and bring your wit as we celebrate this colorful and funny lady with stories and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to Sequoia Humane Society to help the next Muttley, Mollie, Annie or Louie get their forever home.