Carol May Bonin

Carol May Bonin was born May 21, 1938 to Harry J. Thatcher and Caroline Bays Thatcher Middlebrooks.  Carol passed away on October 13, 2025 in Merced.

The Thatcher family was living in Mariposa County until about 1951 when they moved to Winton. Carol attended Winton Grammar School for her 7th and 8th grades, graduating in 1953. While attending Livingston High School, Carol worked at the Sweet Shop in Winton, later worked for Joe Williams in Joe's Cafe.

In 1955, Carol met and married Frank Dorighi; he was stationed at Castle Air Force Base. Carol and Frank had 4 children; Sharon, Dina, Steven and Michael. Frank and Carol divorced in 1970.

Carol later married Lionel "Nel" Bonin, they had one son, Jeff Bonin.

In 1979, Carol and Nel purchased The Cookstove, a restaurant in Winton.  Nel worked as a maintenance man for Rogers Food, the dehydrator, and at the same time he and Carol worked the restaurant. They opened early in the mornings for the farmers to have a place to visit over a cup of coffee and breakfast. They later changed the name of the restaurant to Carol’s Kitchen.  

 For years, Carol was very involved in the community of Winton, being a member of and often taking a leadership role.  Both she and Nel were members of the Grange, members for 25 years or more; members of the Chamber of Commerce until the end. Both were members of CLEO (Community Law Enforcement Office). Carol was elected to the Winton Water and Sanitary District Board, a position she held for 27 years; she held a responsible position with the Winton Community Hall, helped with the Winton Old Timers annual reunion and was on the Board of the Winton Historical Society, over the years, Carol held every position for the MAC meetings (Municipal Advisory Council).  Carol’s husband Nel passed away in 2013, and Carol continued to donate her time and talents to the many organizations in Winton.  She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 22 at 12 noon at the Winton Community Hall.

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