Bonita Tolbert

Bonita M Tolbert 89 of Yakima, passed away Monday, September 21st, 2026 at home after a short battle with cancer. Bonita was born July 5th, 1937 in Bonita, Washington to Harold and Lois Johnston.

She attended Mabton and Grandview grade school later graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1955.

Bonita worked at the Moxee Elementary school as head cook retiring from Yakima School District in 2001. On June 2, 1956 she married her loving husband and best friend Laurence Neil Tolbert.

She was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yakima, Apple Rovers camper club, Red hats of Yakima and the Moose Club. She enjoyed traveling, cruising, her family, Bingo, Bunco and was a huge fan of her Seattle Seahawks!

Bonita will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Jerome and wife, Gloria Tolbert of Moxee, daughter Rhonda and fiancé Tim Maybee of Yakima, her stepsister Connie Blanchard of Yakima, three grandchildren, Janell (Jeremy) Huey of Port Orchard Washington, Ryan (Ashley) Evers of Yakima, Washington and Brian (Michelle)Tolbert of Benton City Washington.
Eight great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews, “Special” Aunt June of Walla Walla Washington and numerous extended grandchildren she adored.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Laurence Tolbert, father Harold Johnston, mother, Lois Cresci, brother Roy Johnston, Son Wayne Tolbert, and special companion Ron Hoffman.

Viewing will be September 25th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, Moxee, WA. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, September 26th at 9:30 AM at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, with a celebration of life at 11:00 AM, also at Brookside Funeral Home. A luncheon at the Terrace Height’s Grange will follow the service.

“Don’t cry for me, my pain is gone. Don’t cry for me, God has set me free. Don’t cry for me, but remember me. Remember the fun we had and the trips we took. You know I loved each one and hope you did too. So remember me and smile, I’ll be with you again in a while.