Bonnie Elizabeth Whitesell, age 87 of Blue Rapids, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on January 4, 1937, the daughter of Charles Thomas and Theresa Dorothy (Cook) Ervin.
On June 12, 1954, she married Melvin Dale Whitesell in Marysville. He preceded her in death in 2005.
Bonnie was a cook at restaurants and retired as the cook of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. She was a member of the New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church and enjoyed playing cards with her family on Sunday afternoons. She loved reading, fishing, canning, and baking pies for the church stand at the Marshall County Fair. She knit sweaters for her grandchildren and supported her great grandkids at their sporting events.
She is survived by three daughters, Melva (David) Sanner of Blue Rapids, Jan Hogan of Blue Rapids, and Cheryl (John) Ralph of Blue Rapids; one brother, Michiel of Blue Rapids; seven grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Christie Whitesell, Danny Whitesell and Eva Marie Whitesell; two sisters, Charlotte Paxton and Joyce Quinn, and one son-in-law, Dennis Hogan.
Viewing is from noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, with visitation between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Blue Rapids Community Center, with Pastor Jacob Schmitz officiating. Music is to include: “Sweet Beulah Land”, “On Eagle’s Wings” and “It is Well with My Soul” sung by Julie Popejoy, and prerecorded music of “Why Me”. Casket Bearers include Chuck Martin, Will Ralph, Andrew Ralph, Ryan Bailey, Chad Lanik, Brett Hogan and Logan Woodyard. Honorary Bearers include Great grandsons, Blaise Hogan, Jimi Martin, Montana Martin and Zach Martin.
Memorials are suggested to the Bonnie Whitesell Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date. Contributions may be left in the care of the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at P.O. Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548. Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com
