Bonnie L. Johnson

All who knew Bonnie Johnson would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was actively involved in the community she called home, and with her warm and genuine personality she drew others near with ease. It was easy to see that Bonnies greatest delight was found in her family, and perhaps there was no role she treasured more than that of grandmother. She was known for her strong work ethic, which was fueled by her desire to serve others, and throughout her life she touched the lives of countless others in such a special way. Life will never be the same without Bonnie here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Although the 1920s were a vibrant and prosperous time in America, the 1930s were a much different story as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. It was just as the 1930s were dawning that Ralph E. and Juanita G. (Bienz) Ward were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Bonnie Lucile on January 30, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a young girl she enjoyed tap-dancing at Trulove Dance Studio in Fort Wayne and loved gymnastics and vocals, performing on the Shrine Stage in Fort Wayne. After moving to Laud with her parents in 1938, she was no longer able to participate in some of these activities.

Living most of her life in the Whitley County area, Bonnie was a young girl of her generation. She attended Jefferson Center Elementary and High School and was in the Sunshine Society, Brownies, and Girl Scouts. Bonnie enjoyed being part of her school plays, was a cheerleader, and received the Good Citizenship Award her senior year of high school. In addition to holding down her studies, as a sophomore Bonnie started working at her familys grocery store until graduating in 1948. After graduating, she took a job at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, working there for two years.

Bonnies life was forever changed when she met and later married Galen Johnson in 1949. In 1950 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Stanley, and it was then that she became a stay at home mom. Pam was born in 1952 and Ronda in 1959, completing their family. Bonnie loved taking her family along with her parents to Fred Thomas Resort in Birchwood, Wisconsin, for a fun-filled summer vacation. Sadly, her son was killed in a car accident in 1988.

Over the years Bonnie spread her warmth and spirit of generosity to so many others through her work. Two years before Ronda started first grade, Bonnie began selling Avon products and often took Ronda with her to call on her customers. In 1966, she began working as a secretary for Max Gandy at Columbia City Joint High School. From there she spent 25 years working as Don Weeks secretary, retiring from Columbia City High School in 1995 after 29 years of devoted service. After retiring, Bonnie worked for Dennis Research in Fort Wayne for one year, but in 1997 Randy Grimes, from DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, asked Bonnie to work as a greeter. She later began working in data entry in the advanced planning department there. The funeral home was like a second family to Bonnie, looking after her since her daughters lived further away. She viewed all of the employees as her children, which only made it harder for her when it came time to leave the funeral home in 2014.

In November of 2014, Bonnie moved to the brand new senior living community, NorthRidge Gracious Retirement Living. There, she made numerous friends and converted everyone into I.U. fans! Bonnie enjoyed playing bingo, euchre, and dominos, and she also joined their choir and discovered a new love - adult coloring.

Throughout her life Bonnie was very involved in her community. She was a member of the American Business Womans Association from 1983 until 2001, on the board of directors for the Junior Miss Pageant at Columbia City Joint High School, volunteered at the YMCA, and was part of the Kids on the Block program where she taught school children valuable lessons using puppets. Bonnie also served on the Star Bank Golden Star Advisory Board and enjoyed traveling with the group. She was a member of the Laud Christian Church where she served on the advisory board, building committee, and was a deaconess, as well as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution since February of 2012. In 1998, Bonnie was a recipient of the Whitley County Community Foundations Heart of Gold Award.

As an avid sports fan, she was a diehard Indiana Hoosiers fan. Everyone knew not to call Bonnie during a game, but it was not uncommon to get text from her about how the game was going. She was also a passionate Indiana University basketball fan who even sent the coaches letters detailing either how pleased she was with the season or informing them of how they could have done a little better and were not performing to her standards. Bonnies companion of 12 years, Garland Hurd, introduced her to being a Green Bay Packers fan, and together they also shared their love of camping and fishing.

Of course there was nothing Bonnie savored more than being with her family. Her five granddaughters, Erin, Kayla, Lindsay, Rachel, and Sara, as well as her five great-grandchildren, Jack, Reagan, Hadley, Brady, and Emery, were the light of her life. Bonnie especially loved when they visited her, often taking the young ones down to enjoy the all you can eat ice cream at NorthRidge. Bonnies granddaughters could count on her to answer the phone when they made late night phone calls to her. It shocked most of her granddaughters friends that their grandma was always there for them and also texted them nearly every day. Bonnie taught her granddaughters to crochet and was always there to support them in their sports. She looked forward to family euchre tournaments and was not afraid to cheat a little to win. Bonnie also worked diligently on filling out her NCAA family brackets for the Sweet 16.

Gracious, kindhearted, and as sweet as they come, Bonnie Johnson was a blessing to all who were within her reach. She treasured her family, loved her community, and continually gave of herself to countless others. Bonnie will never be forgotten.

Bonnie L. Johnson, of Fishers, Indiana, and formerly of Columbia City passed away at 6:46 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016. Bonnies family includes her daughters, Pamela S. (Lynn) Lehman of Fishers and Ronda R. (Steve) Hurst of Carmel; granddaughters, Erin L. (Matt) Waldner of Hingham, Massachusetts, Kayla B. Gross of Carmel, Lindsay R. Gross of Indianapolis, Rachel D. (Jim) Anderson of Stillwater, Minnesota and Sara R. (David) Glenn of Carmel; step-grandchildren, Amy Marra of Fort Wayne, Brian (Jennifer) Goodspeed of Carmel, and Kellen (Jennifer) Hurst of Noblesville; and five great-grandchildren, Jack, Reagan, Hadley, Brady, and Emery. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph E. and Juanita G. Ward; son, Stanley A. Johnson; and son-in-law, Richard D. Goodspeed.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Chapel (Sand Bank) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in her memory to the Whitley County Community Foundation or Laud Christian Church. To send family condolences or light a candle in her memory, visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

Linda Dafforn Conrad wrote on Apr 15, 2016:

"So sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing...but boy did She LIVE!!!! Love, Love, Loved Her...Blessings"

Nick & Tam Hancock wrote on Apr 14, 2016:

"Ronda & Pam, So sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in our thoughts & prayers."

Martha Redman Diekelmann wrote on Apr 6, 2016:

"I worked with your mother in the school office while in high school in the 1970's. When I would see her on my visits back to Columbia City, we always laughed about the time I was called in to Mr. Rethlake's office with a group of others. We all started crying over what we were being accused of and Bonnie was summoned to bring in a box of Kleenex. You could tell she just wanted to hug us all as a "mother"! She was always still so kind to me when I would return to DeMoney's for my parents arrangements and funerals. I count her as one of my many blessings in life. Martha (Redman) Diekelmann - Crown Point, IN"

Patti Cayot wrote on Apr 6, 2016:

"I have warm memories of Bonnie at St Catherine's and from all of my high-school years. Now she can visit Edith and they can play some cards!Rejoice that wonderful memories of Bonnie will always remain in your heart."

Diana Dunn wrote on Apr 5, 2016:

"I met Bonnie in 2014 at Northridge where my mother, also a Bonnie, lives. Bonnie always had a smile and kind words ready to share. I LOVED her sports enthusiasm!!! A wonderful woman who will be missed by all who knew her."

Ora & Sharon (Hurd) Simmons wrote on Apr 5, 2016:

"Bonnie was such a beautiful lady. She was loved by all. While at Columbia City High School our Children thought she was such a sweetie, always had a smile and a hug if needed. While with my Uncle Garland, we even discovered she was more precious. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN."

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

" A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on April 4, 2016 "

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

" A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was ordered on April 4, 2016 "

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

" A SWEET AND WARM REMEMBRANCETABLE ARRANGEMENT was sent on April 4, 2016 Our deepest sympathy! Love your Talon Property Inspection Family "

Al & Kathy Jerves wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

"Dear Pam, Ronda and families,Bonnie was such a dear person and friend. Her years at CCJHS were a blessing to faculty and students alike. She was always a professional while lending a listening ear as a mother figure, or counselor or friend. We will always remember her fun-loving laugh, the sound of her voice and the twinkle in her eye, as we hold her memory in our hearts.Love to you all,Al & Kathy"

Becky Meyer Beery wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

"Pam and Ronda, What can I say ~ I loved you Mom as my Aunt. She always had a smile on her face and loved us kids as her own. I remember so well Pam and Ronda our Christmas's together. I know your Mom is at peace and reunited with all the loved ones who have gone before her ~ especially Stan, he greeted her with open arms as she arrived in Heaven. But for all of us who hold dearly in our hearts all the precious memories she has left us with, we will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Love you both, Becky"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

" A MIXED FRUIT BASKET was sent on April 4, 2016 Thinking of you Pam, Lynn and your entire family. Love, Pat and Jen Lehman "

Wanda Crowell wrote on Apr 4, 2016:

"Loved her so much when I was in high school. She was an awesome person and will be missed greatly!! Prayers to the family!!"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 3, 2016:

" An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on April 3, 2016 "

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 3, 2016:

" A GRANDMOTHER'S GARDEN REMEMBERED was ordered on April 3, 2016 "

Andrea Zeigler Sontag wrote on Apr 3, 2016:

"I'm sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. My thoughts and condolence to her family. While working as a student with Bonnie in the high school office I learned professionalism, kindness and efficiency from her, which I carried on to my own career. She was a lovely lady. I will also remember her charm and sense of humor, such as proclaiming herself as the unofficial Mayor of Laud. She will be missed by many."

JANET HURD wrote on Apr 3, 2016:

"PAM, RONDA AND FAMILY.BONNIE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL FRIEND. THE LAUGHS WE HAD. SHE WILL BE MISSED.UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN BONNIEROSE AND JANET HURD"

Ann Marie (Johnson) Snyder wrote on Apr 3, 2016:

"Such a loving person. She definitely loved my Mom an Dad, Uncle Herm and Aunt Loretta."

Karen Flora wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Our hearts are saddened at the loss of your dear, sweet Mother and our precious friend. She has been so much a part of our lives and will continue to live in our hearts. We know you will continue to life to its' fullest....just like she did. May God wipe your tears and grant you peace.John and Karen, Scott, Steve, Sally and all the kids!"

Carolyn (Hilligoss) Fisher wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"What a beautiful lady, always looked her best. I loved to watch her in my younger years at St. Catherine's Hall when she and Johnny danced together, which they did a lot and FAST! She will be missed by her daughters. My sympathy to them. God Bless her."

Robin Heine Hill wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Ronda and Pam, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your wonderful mother, Bonnie. I have such wonderful memories of the Johnson family. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sent with love and remembrance. Robin (Heine) Hill"

Jackie Liston wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"I can only second all the wonderful previous comments made about this very special lady. Bonnie was a friend & mentor to me for so many years. She will live on in my heart forever. Sending warm hugs of sympathy to Ronda, Pam. and the entire family."

Ralph and Myrna Bailey wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Our deepest sympathy to all the Family of Bonnie. She was a great lady and will be missed by everyone. We will not be able to attend the viewing or the funeral but our thoughts will be with you and pray that all the wonderful memories of her will help you through the sadness."

Lindsay Gross wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Thanks Ken! She loved you and always asked about you."

Marty Kocks-Hamrick wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Pam & Ronda & Family:I am so sorry that my dear friend Bonnie passed away. I loved her so much and we had some good times together in ABWA and at dinner. Please know that my heart aches for you and you have my deepest condolences. May this sweet lady rest in peace!"

Aleta J (Patterson) Koch wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"So sorry for your loss. Bonnie was a beautiful and caring woman. She will be truly missed. My prayers are with you during this time."

Tom and Diane Slain wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Bonnie's family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Anyone who met Bonnie was touched by her spirit and smile. How blessed to have a great example for all the grandchildren and great grandchildren to aspire to. We were fortunate to know her and blessed by her family's friendships."

David & Renee (Geiger) Bauer wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"So difficult to lose a parent. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bonnie was a great woman."

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

" A MONET'S GARDENBASKET was ordered on April 2, 2016 "

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

" A SWEET AND WARM REMEMBRANCEPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on April 2, 2016 "

Chuck Winkler wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Pam and family,Sorry to hear of your loss. Bonnie was a great and influencial contributor to the community."

Tim Cunningham wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Dear Bonnie,How I'm going to miss calling and texting you during the IU games! Pam and Ronda, your mom has had such a positive impact on my life. Thank you for sharing her with all of us that love her."

Matt and Martha Vance Family wrote on Apr 2, 2016:

"Bonnie is remembered by us in many ways be it from school, Laud church and the high school. when we were at laud church I remember all the times she would make faces at my boys to help entertain them during the services. She was a great example of the way to live life to the fullest. We will miss her."