Bonnie Camp

Bonnie Ruth (Blythe) Camp, 88, long time resident of Goodwell, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2023. She was born September 3, 1935, in Guymon, Oklahoma, to the late Richard and Ruth (Cawlfield) Blythe and was the 5th of 13 children.

Bonnie graduated from high school in Bentonville, Arkansas in 1953 and attended college at New Mexico School of Mines in Socorro, New Mexico for one year. While there, she secured a job working in the weather lab on a cloud seeding project and always remembered her time there with great fondness. In 1954, she transferred to Panhandle A&M College (now OPSU) in Goodwell where she played intramural football and worked in the cafeteria to help cover her tuition.

Bonnie married the love of her life, David Camp, on June 30, 1956 at the Goodwell Baptist Church in Goodwell, Oklahoma. They made their home on the farm, built by David’s parents, Gladys and Arthur Camp, NE of Goodwell, and raised four wonderful children.

Bonnie enjoyed serving the community of Goodwell as Postmaster from 1973 until her retirement in 1995. She was proud of overseeing the construction of the new postal building in its present location and also received national awards recognizing her creative decorative displays in the lobby. In the years following her retirement, she worked for Helms Nursery, loved being a poll worker at local elections, and faithfully served as treasurer of the Goodwell Community Fund for over 20 years.

One of Bonnie’s greatest joys was attending her children’s and grandchildren’s numerous school and sporting events, sometimes needing to be in three places at once which she seemed to miraculously always pull off (even if she had to break the speed limit occasionally). She loved making special treats for her family, especially during the holidays. Some of her family’s favorite traditions included making fresh popcorn, salt water taffy, bon bons, stickles,and sand plum jelly. Bonnie was competitive by nature and loved playing cards (especially Bridge and Kings in the Corner), watching Jeopardy!, working on daily crossword puzzles, and crocheting. Her green thumb was evident in her beautiful vegetable garden and potted flower arrangements sprinkled about the farm. She had a good eye for photography, always managing to capture the most amazing sunsets, wildlife, and nature on the farm. She was also a champion rattlesnake wrangler.

Above all else, Bonnie treasured her family. She embraced every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved each one dearly. Her deep devotion to her faith was an integral part of her life, and she found solace and community at the Goodwell Baptist Church where she served in various ministries. When she was no longer able to physically attend church, she faithfully watched Asbury (Tulsa) Church online, rarely missing a Sunday. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Bonnie is survived by her four children, Dennis Camp of Goodwell, Tammy (Jerry) Gum of Hardesty, Lori (Dan) Dunn of Granbury, Texas, and Bonnie Anne Patocka of Tulsa. She leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Dylan (Lisa) Camp of Reno, Nevada, Melody Gum of Tulsa, Kasey (Chris) Rogers of Edmond, Krista Gum of Hardesty, Clayton (Kylee) Painter of Perkins, Annie (Cole) Crawford of Tulsa, and Joseph Carter of Tulsa; and 2 great-grandchildren, Axton and Atlee Painter of Perkins. She is also survived by four siblings: Betty Meador, Clyde Blythe, Mildred Chenault, Susan Blythe; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, David Camp, on September 6, 2015, her parents, and 8 siblings.

Service Details
 

A celebration of life service will be held at Goodwell Baptist Church, 203 College Ave, Goodwell, Oklahoma, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Zane Newton officiating. In honor of Bonnie’s love for the American flag, the family would like to invite everyone to wear red, white, or blue. Interment will follow at the Goodwell Cemetery under the direction of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon.

Visitation will take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon, Oklahoma. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Goodwell Hilltoppers or Goodwell Baptist Church, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.

Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com. 

Friends and family may sign the online guest book or leave an online condolence.

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