Bonnie Jean Pepper

February 4, 1951 – August 13, 2026

Bonnie Jean Pepper, 75, passed away on August 13, 2026, in New Port Richey, Florida, surrounded by family after a recent cancer diagnosis that progressed quickly.

Bonnie was born February 4, 1951, in Pittsburg, California, to Ralph Owen Wagner and Ruth Imogene (Reynolds) Stoeckle. She grew up in Antioch before moving to California’s Central Coast in the early 1970s, where she lived in the Five Cities area for many years. In 1999, she moved to Laughlin, Nevada, and later made Bullhead City, Arizona, her home.

In her final months, Bonnie moved to Florida to be closer to family, spending a month in Texas visiting her grandson and his family along the way. Once in Florida, she was able to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy extended visits from her son, daughter, and their families. The timing of her move gave her family precious time together before her passing.

Bonnie was the mother of Rhonda McPike (Richard), Stephanie Pepper, and Robert “Bobby” Pepper (Sachi), and bonus mom to Mike Wilson (Jayleen).

She was grandmother to Korissa Kingen (Mike), Alicia Robinson (Reign), Jarrett McPike (Jenna), Wyatt Quaresma, Thomas Twford-Pepper, Sakura Pepper, and Shin Pepper. She was also a cherished bonus grandmother to Matthew Wilson, Michaela Wilson, and Allison Rusch; and great-grandmother to Elijah, Tatum, Alexia, Kashton, Asher, Mateo, and Maizy.

She is survived by her siblings George Baker, Steven Stoeckle, Veronica Mann, and Sherry Wagner-Wingfield. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Michael Wilson; stepdaughter, Jamie Rusch; and grandson, Colin Pepper.

Bonnie had a big personality and was full of life, with a smile and laugh people remembered. Independent and spontaneous, she preferred living life on her own terms and would often say she liked to “fly by the seat of her pants.”

Throughout her life, Bonnie wore many hats. She worked as a waitress at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, as a dental assistant, owned a house-cleaning business and a video store in Shell Beach, and later worked as a blackjack dealer at Harrah’s Casino after moving to Laughlin. When she wasn’t working at the casino, she enjoyed visiting as a guest herself, especially to play Keno.

In her earlier years, Bonnie enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues at Pismo Bowl. She had a green thumb and loved gardening, with roses being her favorite flower. She had a major sweet tooth, enjoyed baking cookies and treats, and loved discovering and sharing recipes through her Facebook recipe groups. She was also a fan of true crime, documentaries, and paranormal stories.

Christmas was Bonnie’s favorite holiday. One tradition especially dear to her was making sure the youngest generations of the family received their Christmas ornaments, carrying a piece of that tradition forward as the family grew.

Above all, Bonnie loved her family and her four-year-old pup, Tilly, who was happiest right by her side. Her family is especially grateful for the time they were given together during her final months and for the opportunity to surround her with love at the end of her life. Tilly will remain with the family, where she will continue to be loved and cared for.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held in the spring in Arkansas, where she wished to be laid to rest. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

Bonnie will be remembered for her big personality, unforgettable smile and laugh, independent spirit, and the many memories she leaves with the family and friends who loved her. She will be deeply missed

On her last Sunday with us, Bonnie declared that every Sunday should be dessert “Sunday Funday.” We’ll think of you every Sunday with a hot fudge sundae in hand.