Bonney M. Carlson

Bonney M. Carlson, age 94, of Grants Pass, Oregon, died Friday, March 2, 2018, at Applegate House.
Bonney was born May 7, 1923, in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with Bachelor and Master’s degrees from the University of Denver in classical and foreign languages and in education. She taught for two years in Brighton, Colorado, one year in Pueblo, Colorado, then moved to San Diego, California, where she taught for 18 years at Hoover High School.
She became an assistant professor at San Diego State College, then went on to earn a Master’s degree in comparative literature and credits toward a doctorate at the University of Southern California.
She and her sister, Dr. Signe Carlson, moved to Grants Pass in 1972. They soon became involved in local animal control problems. Bonney and her friend, Roger Harper, incorporated the local SPCA in 1988 and played a major role in the purchase of the first SPCA property.
Bonney and her sister also became active in politics and continued from that time on to be involved in county and state governmental issues. They served often as officers in the Josephine County Taxpayers Association, were instrumental in bringing about changes and amendments to the County Charter, in addition to taking part in making the Commissioners race non-partisan.
Bonney and her sister had two homes built with survival-type features, including solar heat and a functioning windmill. When Signe died in 1995, Bonney sold the larger home and moved to the smaller. She continued with political activities, including the Josephine County Taxpayer Association. She also continued with interests in local musical and theater productions and animal problems.

Survivors include a cousin, Norma Johanson; numerous

relatives in Sweden; and friend/trustee, Carole Piersall of Grants Pass.

Remembrances may be made to Hillsdale College in

Michigan or Rogue Community College in Grants Pass.

No services are planned. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.