2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
BONNIE GARBER
Bonnie Garber was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She became involved in bowling at the age of 18, when the practice of “cruising” was outlawed, according to Mrs. Garber. She wound up at Divine Gardens Bowl in Turlock, where she joined her first league, throwing a back-up ball.
Within a year she had purchased a fingertip ball and rapidly improved. Bonnie joined a Pro-Am League at Yosemite Lanes in Modesto because she thought it might give her a chance to meet Amleto Monacelli. Instead, she met Wayne Garber, the love of her life, while he was working the late shift at Yosemite Lanes.
She decided to crank call him after that, and the rest is history, as they have been together ever since. It’s amazing how the Lord works in such amazing ways to formulate partnerships. Proof of that is Bonnie’s devotion to Wayne and being alongside of him in all of accomplishments.
Speaking of accomplishments, Bonnie holds the record for the highest three game series in Modesto women’s bowling — an 856, on games of 298, 288 and 270, recorded on July 31st, 2006.
An equally rewarding achievement by Mrs. Garber was rolling a 300 game at the same time as Wayne… an event they refer to as a priceless moment. “I did not know he was bowling a 300 until his twelfth shot received a small amount of applause from many lanes away.”
Bonnie asked one of her teammates, “He didn’t just steal my glory, did he?” But she calmly stepped up on the approach for her twelfth delivery and put all ten pins into the pit for a 300 game. “No pressure,” she told her friends.
Mrs. Garber has been working at Yosemite Lanes since 1995. She also works full time for Donlee Pump Company, a petroleum service. She and Wayne have two boys — Brian, who shot a 300 game when he was only 10; and Will, who has two PBA Regional titles to his credit.
Bonnie’s list of honors include a highest certified average of 225. She has averaged over 200 for the past 32 years. Garber also has 12 perfect games to her credit, and a total of six 800-plus scores. In 2011 and 2012 she was a part of the California State Women’s Team Champions.
Bonnie has a deep love and passion for bowling. She gives lessons 3 to 4 times per month, when time allows. Considering the fact that she holds down two full-time jobs makes her love and passion all the more meaningful.
Award was presented at the CUSBC Awards Dinner on May 31, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport, San Jose.