Bonnie Lou Jones

Bonnie Lou Jones, 75, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed peacefully in her sleep at home, and with family at her side on the morning of September 24, 2020, after a 6 month fight against cancer. She was born May 31, 1945, to Louis and Bess Rauscher, and grew up near Lake Phalen in East St Paul. After graduating from Johnson High in 1963, she attended the University of Minnesota to study nursing and where she met the love of her life, Bob. They married October 15, 1966, and for 53 years built a life grounded in family, faith, service, and adventure.

The home she made with Bob and her children was inviting to everyone and when you walked in, you were met most often with delicious smells from her kitchen, always a welcoming smile, and where the coffee pot always seemed full. Among the many joys in her life was attending the thousands of events of her children and grandchildren - never missing a game, play, concert, or recital. She was an accomplished world traveler and along with her husband, her children, and friends, visited all 50 states and 20 countries - her favorites being Italy and Germany, and anywhere she could put her feet in the sand and enjoy a sunset. In her last few years, she “caught hops” on C-130s to places like Key West, Tacoma, and Colorado Springs, as well as ventured on many solo road trip - a lifelong dream. And she always spoke with great pride about being an Air Force wife, mom, and grandma! She played piano, learned how to crochet, and took up coloring later in life, seeking beauty wherever she could. She enjoyed watching old movies and “whodunit” TV shows, and especially her beloved Minnesota Twins. Her thumb was the greenest on the block and every year she and Bob would plant and keep spectacular flower gardens that people around the neighborhood would venture to see and marvel.

For many years Bonnie worked at Boston Scientific as a Senior Inspector of life-saving medical devices. She was the “Mom” of the shop and mentored the younger generation along the way, many who recently offered that her legacy lasted long after her retirement. She left the workforce in 2006 and didn’t slow down a step. She was active with the Trinity Episcopal Church Ladies’ Luncheon, served Meals on Wheels with her husband, and was a mainstay serving at St George’s coffee hour. She dabbled in refinishing old furniture and there are many homes where her work still graces a room. Additionally, and often to the (slight) dismay of her family, she was a non-stop home improvement sage; painting, decorating, flooring and anything else to beautify or spruce up her home (or ours). Truly, she was hard to keep up with.

She lived life with a full and selfless spirit, always asking “What can I do for you?”. She gave generously and freely of her time and talents; and even when it was clear cancer would take her, she would greet family, visitors and Hospice staff with her infectious smile and a “How are you?”. Her blue eyes were bright and full of life until God closed them for the last time, and saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Bonnie.”

Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 54 years, Robert; children Curtiss (Christie), Nicholas (Nina), and Amanda (Josh); beloved grandchildren Samantha, Alexiss (Andrew), Bailee, Julia, and Katy; and great grandchildren, Sawyer and Logan; sister, Carole; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be missed dearly by all and the myriad lifelong friends and fellow parishioners of her beautiful life.

The Jones family offers their most heartfelt thanks to friends and family who contributed to her care and who visited and brought her joy during her sickness. A huge thank you to Guardian Angels Hospice staff who worked tirelessly to help the family care for Bonnie at home. Too many names to list, but you know who you are. Bonnie wanted to be sure her Home Health Aide, Kiki, from Legacy Home Health Care also was recognized. Kiki was at Bonnie’s side faithfully for two months, three days/week, and built a connection that brought her calm, laughs, and some grace. “You little sh*t,” Bonnie would say to her. We love you, Kiki.

A private dedication ceremony will be held later this fall for immediate family with a larger Celebration of Life next spring. Bonnie and her family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be offered to Guardian Angels Hospice.

We welcome your memories of Bonnie here or in cards or letters sent to the family. But please, no more food;) (thanks to all who stocked the fridge/freezer).