Bonnie Port lived a life of compassion and service – to God, family, friends, church and strangers. Bonnie went to be with Jesus on January 13, 2026. She spent her final years and weeks surrounded by her faithful children and grandchildren, with lots of music and laughter.

Bonnie Jean Marquardt was born on July 5, 1943, to Reuben and Hazel Marquardt in St. Maries, Idaho. She grew up in the Benewah Valley with three younger siblings, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and lifelong friends.  Some of her favorite memories were on her horse in ‘The Benewah’ – chasing cattle, traveling to visit neighbors, and singing from the mountaintop. 

Bonnie’s faith in God and commitment to spreading His Word was foundational to her life. After graduation from St. Maries High School in 1961, Bonnie attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, intent on becoming a missionary. While her mission work ended up being closer to home, her heart for service never wavered. She attended Cady’s Beauty School in Spokane and eventually made her way back to her beloved home in St. Maries where she started her own beauty salon.  It was then she met Ralph Port, a fellow Idaho native and civil engineer working for the U.S. Forest Service.  They married on September 13,1969 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together, they raised their three daughters on their homestead in St. Maries.  Their life centered around their children, family and faith. They were active in several churches throughout their lives, parent leaders in the 4-H program, started a youth center for teens in the 70s and hosted several foreign exchange students. Over the years, they delivered hundreds of meals and treats to neighbors in need.

Bonnie’s voice was extraordinary.  Through song, she offered comfort and joy and shared God’s love – at church choir, funerals, weddings, and a tour in Italy with a Christian singing troupe. Later in life, she loved her time with the Crown of Thorns, a local Christian choir that served congregations throughout our region.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, parents Reuben and Hazel Marquardt, sister Connie Mueller and granddaughter Leah Thill.  She is survived by her brother Edgar Marquardt (Lynn); sister Helen Crane (Jim); brother-in-law Ken Mueller; daughters Angela Matson, Cindi Port (Jennifer) and Betsy Daniels (Darin); grandchildren Michael, Avery and Mitchel Matson and Reuben and Brenden Thill. 

A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Maries on Saturday, February 21 at 11am.  A reception and lunch will follow.  All family and friends are welcome to join.