Obituaries

Bonnie June (Wallace) Earl, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away at her home on October 13, 2025. She was born in Sault Ste. Marie on July 16, 1943, to Alberta “June” (Penman) Amell.

Bonnie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, where she attended Sault High School and began building a life full of love, laughter, and lasting connections. Her career in sales began at the Kmart service desk and blossomed through the years as she worked in various local grocery stores. However, Bonnie’s favorite roles were always in the charming tourist shops of the Soo, where she delighted in meeting and chatting with people from across the country. One of her proudest achievements was naming one of those shops, "Great Lakes Gifts," a place that reflected her love for the region and her warm, welcoming spirit.

Bonnie had a passion for travel, especially when exploring the country with her beloved husband. She was a talented seamstress, known for creating beautiful dresses and outfits for her family with care and creativity.

In her downtime, Bonnie found joy in the little things—watching her favorite soap operas, diving into a good book, and enjoying games like Farkle, Skip-Bo, Wizard, and 31 with friends and family. Some of her happiest moments were spent camping, surrounded by the people she loved most.

Bonnie will be remembered for her warmth, her vibrant personality, and her deep love for family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the memories she helped create.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Leroy David Earl; daughters, Pamela LaDuke of St. Ignace, Michigan, Gail (Terry) Dotski of Cheboygan, Michigan, and Sonja (Darrin) Reinhart of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Samantha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Justin, and Tristan; great-grandchildren, Blake, Hayden, and Hudson Dotski; and sister, Shirley (David) Payne of Xenia, Ohio.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her son, Scott Earl; mother, Alberta “June” Amell; and sister, Connie Howland.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Memorial Service will follow immediately at 11:30 AM.

Bonnie’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.