Jacqueline Bonney

The world is short one cowgirl but heaven has gained a good one. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Bonney, a woman with a beautiful soul, contagious laughter and kindness for all, passed away unexpectedly on April 13th in Wickenburg, AZ. She is survived by her daughter, Laura (Robert Allen) Bonney and grandchildren Hunter and Ella of Erie CO, stepdaughter Ann (Robert) Shelden and grandchildren Reed, Spencer and Ava of Highland Ranch, CO, and her sisters, Pam (Gerald) Eichelberger of Manzanola, CO and Renee (Terry) Jaccaud of Greeley, CO. Nieces and nephews include Nancy Cloud of McKinney TX, Jessie Eichelberger of Loco OK, Kyle Jaccaud-Smith of Denver, CO and Robert Jaccaud of Park City, UT. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Dona Moody and younger brother, Blake Moody. Jacquie was born on December 8, 1945 to Dona and George Moody of Colorado Springs, CO and spent her formative years there and in Littleton, CO. She attended Lamar Junior College and studied at Regis Jesuit College in Denver. Other than her children and grandchildren, horses were the love of her life. She enjoyed barrel racing and all things to do with horseback riding and rodeo. A cowgirl is defined as "a woman with guts and a horse" and this description fit Jacquie to a tee. She found joy sitting high in the saddle, running the barrels, being surrounded by friends and companions, and experiencing the freedom she could find only on the back of her best friend, her horse. A lifelong member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, she traveled many miles hauling horses between events. She was Director of the Mountain States Circuit of the WPRA for three terms and successfully organized several events during that time. Jacquie was dedicated to the sport of barrel racing and an outspoken advocate for gender equality in the sport of rodeo. She cared deeply about the safety of both horses and riders, and was known to plow the arena herself if she felt the conditions didn't meet her standards. Her love of all things horse and the West didn't end at the barn or arena. On any given day you could find her watching an old Western movie, searching the Internet for horsemanship tips, or reading one of her equestrian magazines. She may likely have been born in the wrong era. Jacquie would have fared quite well in the Old West: independent, strong and tough as nails. There were few things you could convince her she was unable to do. She was also kind, generous, loving and a sensitive soul. All of those attributes are a rare combination. She truly was a unique and special woman. She will be deeply missed. Let us join together in loving memory of Jacquie on June 28th, 4:00 to 6:00 pm (MST) at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (825 9th St, Greeley, CO 80631). This is a time to celebrate her achievements, the good times we had with her and the laughter we shared. We will gather to celebrate her life and share our favorite memories of Jacquie. We hope you can join us, but if you aren't able to attend please send us your stories and we will read them for you at the celebration. To ensure we have enough light fare please let us know if you are able to join the celebration at http://www.evite.me/gRY9HnU4qT.