Bonnie Jean White

She was born Sep. 16, 1927 in Peoria to Reinhart and Anna (Sweety) Clauson. She married Melvin R. White June 8, 1947 in Peoria. He survives along with one daughter, Lynn (Tony) Montle of Mapleton, one son, Brad (Eve) White of Alabama, four granddaughters: Renae (Clay) Johnson, Jennifer (Rob) Stewart, Mindy (Bill) Welsh and Melissa (Johnny McCarroll) Montle. Also surviving are eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Mildred Servis.

Bonnie was very active in local theatre, performing at Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria Players, Conklin Dinner Theatre, Zellmer's Dinner Theatre, Caterpillar Employee's Chorus, Marquis Marine Theatre and Bradley University. She and husband Melvin entertained many years for local functions and presented their own show “An Evening with Bonnie and Mel” at the Apollo Theatre. Bonnie had a love for life and theatre, performing into her 80's.

She served on the boards of Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria Players, the Lutheran Home, Zion Lutheran Church Council and was a volunteer reader for the blind at Radio Information Service for over 20 years.

She taught dance for Betty Merkel Ford Studio where she met Melvin, fell in love and formed a partnership made in heaven which endured for 67 years. Bonnie also taught dance in Washington and Chillicothe, riding the bus to get there. Her relaxing hobbies were working in the yard, cooking and baking. She was an avid and entertaining letter writer, keeping in touch with many friends in that manner. She also met with her Manual High School friends once a month for lunch, conversation and friendship.

Bonnie was a woman of many talents—a creative, outgoing, fun-loving and strong woman, making friends quickly and easily. Her red eyeglasses and yellow VW Beetle were her trademarks. She loved life and lived it to the fullest, right to the end. To her family, she was the matriarch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed. We believe she must be dancing and singing in heaven.

Visitation will be Thursday Jan. 15, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peoria or Lutheran Hillside Village.

Please view Bonnie’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com