Bonnie Jean Anderson
Bonnie Jean Anderson, 95, died Sunday (Dec. 10, 2023) at Bradford Villa in Quincy, IL.
A lifelong native of Quincy, Bonnie met Howard Anderson whom she married on their shared birthday in 1949 and stayed by his side for 65 years until his death in 2014. When hard times fell during the Great Depression Bonnie was forced to leave school in order to help support her family. But education was important to her and, being the determined, resolute person she was, earned her G.E.D. long after she was established in life as a wife and mother.
Bonnie was a homemaker of the highest regard, a real professional. Bonnie put her loved ones first and nurtured with her kind and caring soul. When others were sick, whether direct, extended family or friends, it was Bonnie who was there to nurse them back to health. Though the family tree only officially shows two children and one grandchild, the genuine maternal spirit that permeated Bonnie and all her interactions with others meant that she is counted in numerous others’ family tree as a de facto second mother and grandmother.
Bonnie was a lifetime member of the Grand Cross of Color for Rainbow Girls. She was also a member of Grace Whipple Chapter #312 Order of the Eastern Star. Even in very advanced age, Bonnie continued to serve others. She refused to sit idle and put her skills to work by crocheting hundreds of lap robes for disadvantaged children she would never meet.
Bonnie’s strength and determination extended beyond this world through her faith in her heavenly father. Though she came from salt of the Earth beginnings, she knew that she was not of this Earth. She made the absolute most of her temporal life, leaving behind innumerable others touched by her existence. But her steely conviction in her faith dictated she need not fear, and indeed would embrace the next coming phase of her eternal life.
She is survived by her sisters, Dorothea Bowman and Georgina Martin; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Rodney Ward; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Christopher and Erin Smith; great grandsons, Silas and Quinten Smith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Anderson; father, Edgar Boll; mother and step-father Bernice and James Fletcher; sister, Geraldine Morrall; brother James Fletcher; sister-in-law, Lois Thornton; and her daughter, Sherry Anderson.
SERVICES: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Interment will be in Quincy Memorial Park.
VISITATION: 12:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, until the time of services.
MEMORIALS: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Blessing Hospice.
ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
When I think of Bonnie, I think of the word “Faithful”. She’s been faithful in every area of her life – especially our family. She attended every party, every shower, brought meals after babies and helped when there was illness. She crocheted for disadvantaged children but also for family – baby blankets and such. She enjoyed cooking and baking – but she also loved my coconut cream pie. It blessed me to take food and especially desserts to her because she would get the biggest smile. There are countless memories that I hold dear and I will hold them close in my heart always. Hugs and sympathy to Chris and family. Love you all.
Chris, Rod, Christopher and Erin, Jamal and I are so sorry we will be unable to be with you. What a wonderful tribute to Bonnie. I can never express what she, and all the Andersons, have meant to us. We send our love and prayers to you!
Bonnie was a light in my life for 65 years. A great lady for sure.
This great woman was like a second mother to me as I was growing up. Living next-door, it was as comfortable to be in her home as in my own. She always had a smile and an open hand of friendship. If there are angels among us, she was one.
Dear Chris and the rest of the Anderson Family,
While growing up on 15th and Washington the Dicks Family: Butch, Jean, Pat, Norm, Mike and Bobbi were privileged to be neighbors of the Andersons, Blosses, the Vollraths, the Kourys , the Dederts , the Speckharts and Ippensens. What a wonderful, exciting place to spend our early years. It was a treat to be surrounded with such caring, interesting and versatile families.. The memories will carry us to the end of our time on earth.
Remembering our roots!
As ever,
Pat & Dick Wentura
My Mothers Sister , OH my — the 60 yrs. Of Memories — R I P. I DONT THINK , I HAVE THE WORDS — GOD BLESS .
Chris and family,
Sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of you all and sending prayers. Your mom was a sweet lady through and through that my family and I’m glad to have known and be in the same neighborhood growing up too! 🙏💕
Bonnie was more than an Aunt, she was more like a second mother. Helping me through all facets of my life, especially through my mother’s illnesses. There has never been a time when I didn’t have her love, support, and encouragement. Some of my fondest memories was her interaction with family. Going to family functions was extremely important to her. Robert, my husband, and I really enjoyed visiting, and playing our favorite game of euchre. Many times Bonnie, her sister Dorothy , Robert and I would go to card parties to play. After the card party season was over we would take turns going to Bonnie’s and Dorothy’s homes.
I will miss you so much. I will always look back at our memories with great fondness.
I have wonderful memories of living next to Howard and Bonnie while growing up. They were truly the best of the best! May Bonnie now reap the rewards of a life well lived as she is reunited with Howard and Sherry.