Bonnie Gleason

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Bonnie Jean Gleason, who departed this world peacefully on November 21, 2024, at her home in Leawood, Kansas. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, mentor, and friend whose life was a testament to resilience, positivity, faith and love for others.

Born on October 18, 1929, in Frederick, Oklahoma, Bonnie was raised with a deep appreciation for education and the transformative power it holds. This belief shaped her life’s path and fueled her dedication to teaching. Bonnie began her distinguished career as a fifth-grade teacher, where she touched the lives of countless young students with her warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in their potential. Her classroom was a haven of creativity and encouragement, a place where students learned to dream big and reach for the stars.

Bonnie’s commitment to lifelong learning led her to further her own education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University, a master’s degree from Memphis State University, and ultimately, a PhD. from Kansas State University. Her academic journey was marked by a tireless pursuit of knowledge and a desire to inspire future educators.

Transitioning from the classroom to a university lecture hall, Bonnie became a revered teacher education professor, where she influenced a new generation of teachers with her innovative approaches and heartfelt dedication. Her students remember her as a beacon of inspiration, someone who was not only a teacher but a guiding light who instilled the values of empathy, kindness, and resilience in all her charges.

Bonnie lived a life guided by her deep faith, which provided her strength and solace throughout her decades of service to her profession, her community, and her church. Her enduring optimism was infectious, and she had an extraordinary ability to find and nurture the best in everyone she met. Her generosity and love knew no bounds. She was a pillar of support for her family, friends, and community.

Throughout her 95 years, Bonnie was cherished not only for her professional accomplishments but her immense heart. She volunteered tirelessly within her community and church, impacting countless lives with her wisdom, wit, and generosity. She had an unwavering love for her family and friends and was a dedicated Christian who also cherished her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was a strong, independent woman yet also was the embodiment of kindness and compassion. She loved to laugh and always had a joke ready. Bonnie lived life to the fullest. She embraced every season of life with expectant joy. She enjoyed traveling, singing, playing the piano, cooking and sharing time with her much-loved Virgil Reichle.

She is survived by her children Stephen Gleason, John Gleason (Jacqui), Ruth Gleason Waggoner (Randy), and Jim Gleason (Cathy) as well as her grandchildren Kristi, Karee, Kacy, D.L., Dusty, Joe, Jennifer, Johnny, Josh, Max, Jay, Alex, Sam, Rachel and Rebecca, and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved Virgil Reichle. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bertha Thomason, her siblings Royce Thomason, Freda Carr, George Thomason, Rudell Thomason, her twin brother, Bobby Thomason, and her beloved son, David Gleason. Her family will continue to honor her legacy by living out the values she embodied so gracefully. Bonnie’s spirit will undoubtedly remain alive in the stories shared by her family, her students, and all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her presence.

Dr. Bonnie Jean Gleason leaves behind a legacy of resilience, positivity, faith, and boundless love for others. Her light may have dimmed on this earth, but it will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A memorial service celebrating Bonnie’s life will be held Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 pm in the Wesley Chapel at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Bonnie’s service will be livestreamed by the church, link to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the School of Education in honor of Dr. Bonnie Gleason, c/o MNU Foundation, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, Kansas, 66062 or via www.mnu.edu/giving/. This will be used as a support fund for future teachers, so her passion for teaching and learning can continue to empower generations to come.