Bonnie Lavalley

Age 75 of White Bear Lake, formerly of Stillwater, went home to the Lord October 26, 2019 surrounded by family. Bonnie lived by her faith; her guiding principle was in giving what she had leading by example. Where she saw need in her community, she worked to provide solutions. Though she lived without confidence in her own capacity, she inspired confidence in all who came into contact with her.  In the 1980s, she was a founding parent leader partnering with Don Loe, special education director of Stillwater Schools, to create the local chapter of Learning Disabilities of Minnesota.  She directed the Little Riverman Drum and Bugle Corps, and later helped form Valley Beat Drum and Bugle Corps. She gave endlessly; her love for her family, friends, and community was boundless. She had the best marriage with Ted LaValley lasting over 53 years. They lived in Stillwater for over 30 years where they raised their three children. Bonnie and Ted were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Later, Bonnie and Ted moved to White Bear Lake. Bonnie's hobbies included picking up agates, fishing, and camping seeing every state except for Hawaii. Her love for family especially her grandkids was immeasurable as shown by her commitment to make every concert that her kids and musically talented grandkids had throughout the years. When the inevitable time came that the grandkids' concerts over lapped, she was disappointed in not being able to make them all. Bonnie lived her life to fullest always lending a helping hand and putting others' needs first before her own. She was always the shoulder to cry on and the one to share joys with. When Bonnie became sick, she never complained, not even once, and always had a smile that brightened the room as well as a thank you through her last day to those caring for her. She was the strongest woman, without ever being hard. You wouldn’t even be able to tell she was sick because Jesus Christ was carrying her on this last leg of her journey home. She loved Jesus Christ as her Savior and never wavered in her Faith and Trust in Him. Bonnie is already missed dearly and we can’t wait to see her in God’s house. Carry love in your heart and give it endlessly in her memory. Bonnie was preceded in death by her precious son, Mark, whom she grieved for every day since he passed. She has now rejoined him in heaven! Bonnie is survived by her husband Ted; three children Michael (Nicky), Michelle (Ryan) Engelstad, and Mitchell (Dallas); as well as six grandchildren Christopher Schroeder and Lilly LaValley, Jack and Sophia LaValley, and Greta and Gabe Engelstad; and a host of other family and friends. Memorial Service Saturday, November 9 at 11:00 AM at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER (2800 Curve Crest Boulevard) with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. Special thanks to the staff at Region’s hospital for their dedication and amazing care. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers to honor Bonnie's giving spirit by requesting donations be given to charitable organizations close to your heart.