Bonita Rose Barney

Bonita Rose (Shabiash) Barney, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the family and loved ones she cherished so deeply.

Bonita was born on April 23, 1944 to Michael Shabiash and Susan Blacketter in Cloquet, MN. She was a woman defined by her immense generosity and warmth. Bonita possessed the most kind, caring heart and was the type of person who would truly give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her life was centered around the people she loved; she was a fiercely dedicated mother who loved her children beyond measure, and she held a special, enduring adoration for her grandchildren.

Bonita’s legacy of love lives on through her family. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren: Jason, Alicia, Amy, Bradley, David, Susan, Lee, Leah and Nathan; her nieces: Roberta Morrison and Jeanette Loud; and daughter-in-law, Tammy. She was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, extended family members, nephews, nieces and dear friends whose lives she profoundly impacted and who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Susan Shabiash; her siblings; her husband, Leslie Barney Sr; her children, Tracey, Angela, Leon, Leslie Jr and Brad; her grandson, Lee; and her faithful canine companion, Max and Skipper.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Bonita’s life and the love she shared with us all at a Graveside Service on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 12:30 PM at the Sawyer Cemetery in Sawyer, MN. A Celebration of Life will follow from 1-3 PM at the Sawyer Community Center.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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