Bonnie Belle (Hughes) Gifford

Bonnie Belle Gifford (Hughes) was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky on March 17, 1932, to Charlie and Lois Hughes. She passed away peacefully at home in Houston, Texas on November 15, 2020, at the age of 88.

Bonnie came from a large depression era family of 10 sisters and one brother. Her family moved from Kentucky to a farm in Greer County, Oklahoma in the 1940’s. It was there that she grew up, attended school, and graduated from Granite High School in 1951. It was also there that she met her husband, Bob.

Bob joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and was assigned to be stationed in Alaska. Bonnie and Bob rushed to get married on January 30, 1952, in Granite, OK so Bonnie could go with him, but soon learned that she wasn’t allowed to accompany him. A strong, determined young woman, Bonnie stayed in Oklahoma, attended the University Of Oklahoma College of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 1955. When Bob returned from Alaska they reunited and embarked on a life-long adventure in the U.S. Air Force which took them to many U.S. States, as well as Germany and England. They particularly enjoyed living in England and spoke fondly of those experiences for many years. Upon Bob’s retirement from the Air Force, they settled in Yukon, OK and raised their family. After Bonnie’s retirement, they enjoyed many years of travel, gardening, and fishing. They especially enjoyed trout fishing together at Roman Nose State Park. Being an avid artist, Bonnie also enjoyed oil painting, pastels, and sculpture. She was also very interested in her family genealogy and thoroughly researched her ancestry. As a result, she was able to join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was a proud member of the DAR Fort Reno Chapter in Yukon.

In her later years, Bonnie moved to Galveston Island, Texas to be closer to her son, Jeff. She enjoyed living on the island and soaking up the warm gulf breezes and even once rode out a hurricane.

Bonnie was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Bobby Donald Gifford, and her sons Bobby D. Gifford, Jr. and Dale W. Gifford. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey W. Gifford, daughter-in-Law Kari Cannedy Gifford; sisters June Hughes, Emma Gable, Linda Sadler, Willie Flemmons; one brother, Jess Hughes; and two grandsons, Jesse and Jacob.

Though Bonnie’s body eventually declined, her sharp mind never faltered. She lived a remarkable life, fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. We say goodbye to this beautiful, strong, fiercely independent, intelligent, and quick-witted mother, wife, sister and friend and entrust her soul to the care of the angels until we meet again.

Contributions can be made to the Daughters of the American Revolution (www.dar.org) or the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve (www.artistboat.org). There will be graveside services Friday, November 20th, 2:00 PM. at the Yukon Cemetery. Visitation will be provided on Friday, November 20th from 11:00am - 1:00pm at Ingram, Smith and Turner Mortuary in Yukon.

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