Bonnie Lee Sykes

Bonnie Lee Sykes, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away surrounded by family on January 31, 2025, at the age of 81 in Port Orchard, Washington.

Born on February 21, 1943, in Girard, Pennsylvania, Bonnie was the daughter of Elizabeth Bond Herhold and Richard J. Herhold. She graduated from Girard High School in Erie, PA, in 1961. 

In 1963, she married the love of her life, Gary W. Sykes, in Erie, PA. Together, they built a life full of adventure (via living in four different states), dedication, and love.

Alongside being an amazing mother to her three children, Bonnie had a long and successful career as an office manager, working at Berea College in Berea, KY, The Depot in Duluth, MN an international tile company in Louisville, KY and Great West Life Insurance in Dallas, TX.

She was deeply passionate about mental health advocacy and held board positions for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Dallas, TX, and The Upper Room in Erie, PA. She was also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kitsap County, WA.

Bonnie was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand. She had a passion for knitting and founded a knitting group in Port Orchard, WA, where she found joy in both crafting and community. Her love for puzzles was evident—there was always one near completion on her dining table, ready for anyone to join in. She was also an exceptional baker, and her homemade treats were nothing short of legendary.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Gary W. Sykes of Port Orchard, WA; her children, Arica Sykes-Dawley and son-in-law Michael Dawley of Seattle, WA, Todd Sykes of Seattle, WA, and April Sykes of Bremerton, WA. She was a cherished grandmother to Maddox Dawley, Zosia Dawley, Amie Sykes, Ashly Sykes, and Sean Sykes.

She is also survived by her siblings: Karen Herhold of Tucson, AZ; Teresa and Joe Frangione of The Villages, FL; Gene Herhold and Diane Herhold of Girard, PA; Doug and Joanne Herhold of Albion, PA; and Jeff and Remi Herhold of Letonia, OH.

Bonnie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy of compassion, organization, and dependability will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

A private memorial will be held on April 5, 2025. Family and friends will be notified separately

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Bonnie’s memory to The Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center at https://kitsapiac.org/, an organization that reflects her values of kindness and community support.

Bonnie’s spirit, kindness, and love will be deeply missed but forever cherished.