Yvonne "Bonnie" D. LaRose Obituary (1941 - 2026)

OGDENSBURG—Yvonne "Bonnie" D. LaRose, 85, of Ogdensburg, passed into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at her home following a brief illness. In keeping with her wishes, arrangements will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg. Yvonne D. LaRose was born on May 24, 1941, in Canton, New York, the daughter of the late Roswell and Nellie (Ames) Smith. She graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1959. On July 25, 1962, she married the love of her life, Bruce O. LaRose, at Notre Dame Church, where the Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Rev. Lucian LaDuc. Following high school, Bonnie attended secretarial school in Chicago and was employed as a secretary for R. L. Polk. In 1975, she and Bruce returned to St. Lawrence County, where she took over operation of Smiths General Store in Langdon Corners. She successfully managed the family store until 1984, when they purchased Erwin's Motel, formerly Ashley's Motel. Renaming it The Stonefence Resort, Bonnie and Bruce expanded the property over the years, transforming it into a thriving destination that they proudly own and operate. Bonnie loved vacationing in Florida, listening to music at night with her husband, and rarely missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren's sporting events, traveling throughout the North Country and even into Canada to cheer them on. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she faithfully attended services each Sunday at Park Street New Life Assembly of God and New Testament Gospel Churches. Above all, Bonnie cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy and most treasured blessing. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Bruce O. LaRose; her children, Bryan (Sophi) LaRose of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bethany (Richard) Gray of Ogdensburg, and Bridget Jenkins of Jackson, Wyoming; her grandchildren, David Troiano, Margret Shepard, Lizabeth Troiano, Jackson Troiano, Grayson Jenkins, Jhett Jenkins, Grant LaRose, and Russell LaRose; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Rowan Zich, Sylvie Shepard, and Josie LaRose. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was predeceased by her siblings, Roswell Smith Jr., Lorretta Oosman, and Janet Bullis Our mother was so much more than the words of an obituary could ever express. She was the heart of our family—the one whose love held us together, whose strength carried us through life's hardest moments, and whose kindness made everyone feel welcome. Her unwavering devotion to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends created a legacy of love that will live on in each of us. She was our comfort, our greatest supporter, and the steady presence we could always count on. While we will miss her beyond words, we are forever grateful for the love, wisdom, and countless memories she gave us. Her heart was our home, and her love will remain with us always. Memorial contributions may be made in Bonnie's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.