Sunny Bogar

Sunny Bogar, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and friend to countless people (and even more cats), passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on September 24, 1939, in Cresbard, South Dakota, to Elwood Rosenau and Eva Fey, Sunny was the eldest of three siblings and grew up with a spirit as bright as her name.

Her family moved to Deary, Idaho in 1951, where she graduated high school in 1957 and married her husband, Roger Bogar, that same year. Together they raised two sons, Bret and Todd, and built a life shaped by her tireless dedication, his easygoing spirit, and the humor and adventure that carried them through the years. Roger passed away in 1993, and Todd in 2023, but Sunny carried their memories with her every day.

Sunny lived a life rich with stories. In her early twenties she began bartending, eventually accumulating 35 years of experience behind the bar. Ten of those years were spent in Ketchikan, Alaska, where she worked multiple jobs—sometimes up to 18 hours a day—and became affectionately known as “the lady with all the rings.” Her bold laugh, quick wit, and unmistakable style made her a memorable figure wherever she went — and her ever present cup of coffee was rarely far from reach.

After returning to Idaho, Sunny spent more than a decade working in food service at the University of Idaho Commons. Students and coworkers adored her for her friendliness, humor, and the way she made everyone feel seen. Her laughter was often the first sign she had arrived for her early morning shift, and her presence was missed whenever she wasn’t there.

Sunny was a lifelong animal lover, especially fond of cats. She cared for strays all over town and shared her home with her favorite furbabies — a miniature Italian Greyhound, Beeker, and her cats Simba, Burbank, and Pumpkin, along with several strays she welcomed in later years. In truth, it was less that she took in stray cats and more that they formed a quiet pilgrimage to her doorstep, instinctively recognizing a lifelong friend. She also had a passion for cars — at one point owning three at once, including a cherished Porsche she lovingly washed by hand.

Her unique fashion sense became legendary: short overall bibs with nylons and leg warmers, a couple of loosely fastened belts, and multiple rings stacked on every finger. In later years she embraced a new signature look — color coordinated pajamas from head to toe, complete with layered socks and slip on sandals. She was unapologetically herself, and the world was brighter for it.

In her later years, Sunny remained in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by the routines and independence she valued so deeply — supported by the steady, loving presence of her family, who ensured she could stay right where she felt most herself.

Sunny is survived by her son Bret; her grandchildren Myles, Ashley, Katelyn, and Garrison; her great grandson Preston; her siblings Tom Rosenau and Sandy Lawrence, along with their families; and many friends, coworkers, and students whose lives she touched.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her humor, her independence, her unmistakable individuality, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. The world is a little quieter without her laugh — and a lot less colorful without her outfits — but infinitely better because she was here.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 7th, from 12–2 p.m. at the Deary Community Center. Guests are asked to bring a covered‑dish potluck item. The family would appreciate donations to the Humane Society of the Palouse in lieu of flowers, in keeping with Sunny’s lifelong compassion for animals.