Bonnie Mae (Willits) Thatcher

Bonnie Mae Willits (Thatcher), daughter of Oscar and Helen Willits, was born on August 2, 1931 and went to her heavenly home on June 11, 2023 at the age of 91.

Bonnie graduated from Chariton High School and later from Iowa State Teachers College and Drake University.

She was united in marriage on June 16, 1957 to Leo Osco Thatcher. Into this marriage five children were born, Alan, Ann, Tami, Mark and Brian.

Bonnie received Christ as her savior at the age of 11. She was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church in Chariton where she served in various roles for many years.

Bonnie was a school teacher for 43 years, the first 10 of which were in Perry, Fairfield, Newton, Burlington, Rowan, Cambria and Wonderlake (Illinois). Her remaining 33 years of teaching were in Chariton where she taught at Van Allen and Columbus Elementary until her retirement.

Bonnie was proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters Barbara May and Darlene Grimes, her husband Leo, and a son, Mark.

She is survived by two sons, Alan and wife Janet of Marion, Brian of Chariton, two daughters, Ann of Chariton and Tami Petty and husband Michael of O’Fallon, Mo. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Rachel Elam, Erica Russell, Kendra Vick, Sarah Larson, Chip Petty, Suzanne Petty and 9 great grandchildren (with one on the way) along with many other family and friends.

Bonnie loved her family and cherished spending as much time with them as she could.  Her love extended to her church family as well, and to the many students she taught over the years.  Even after her retirement she would often sit on her front porch at home watching and listening to the children on the playground at Van Allen.  She will be missed by many.

In her later years, a former student, Josh Demichelis, assisted her with many things like getting to out-of-town doctor’s appointments, home maintenance and running errands. She and the family were most grateful for his kind offers of help during that time.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Chariton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Interment following the service in the Chariton Cemetery. Funeral services is under the direction of Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa.

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