Bonita J. Barker

Bonita J. Barker, 83, passed away March 3, 2010 in Fallbrook, Calif. Born April 12, 1926 in Ponca City, Okla., Bonita spent her childhood in Maysville, Okla. before moving with her family to Imperial Valley when she was 16 years old.

In 1943 she married Eddie Chaffin of Calipatria, Calif., and they were part of the Roy Chaffin and Sons ranching operation. Together they had three children, eventually moving their family to Fallbrook in 1961.

Bonita was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a devoted community volunteer who later in life enjoyed a successful career as a real estate broker. In 1983 she married retired western movie actor Hal Barker.

Bonita’s charitable endeavors spanned 50 years and numerous organizations and philanthropies, including the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary, San Diego County Hospital Auxiliary Council, Fallbrook Hospital Foundation, Children’s Home Society (Angel Society), Palomar College Foundation, Fallbrook Board of Realtors, Republican National Committee, numerous parent-teacher associations, and the Maysville Education Foundation. She was the first woman to serve on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County.

Bonita was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Lee Cooper; sister, Jacque Cheatwood; brother, John H. Cooper; and husbands Eddie Chaffin and Hal Barker.

She is survived by her children, Patricia (Jerry) Lockard, Tucson, Ariz.; James E. Chaffin, Amarillo, Texas; Debbie (Jim) Ramsey, Fallbrook, Calif.; grandchildren, Joanne (Chris) Szabo, Tucson, Ariz.; Jennifer (Brad) Kaylor, Alta Loma, Calif.; Roy Chaffin, Fallbrook; Susanne (Brandon) Segroves, Tucson, Ariz.; Christina (Paul) Reagan, Austin, Texas; Olivia (Andy) Schmidt, Lake Elsinore, Calif; Shelby Ramsey, San Diego, Calif.; and great-grandchildren Ryan, Ashley, Ian, Daniel, Evan, Kyra, Connor, Michael and Matthew.

Visitation will be held Sat. March 13, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary with service to follow at 11 a.m.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary.