Bonnie Marie White, 80, of Burlington, died unexpectedly Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at her home in Burlington, Iowa.
Born June 19, 1942, in Burlington, Iowa, she was the daughter of Arthur Coulter and Dorothy May Arpe Roxlau. On December 2, 1967, she married Franklin Thomas in Dexter, Ia. He preceded her in death on March 30, 2013.
She was a 1960 graduate of Burlington High School.
She was a machine operator for Winegard Co. for 18 years and was self-employed doing interior painting and wallpapering for over 30 years
Bonnie was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder, a Deacon, and helped with missions. She was a past member of First United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school for many years and served on almost every church committee. One of her favorite committee activities was volunteering to ring the Salvation Army bell during the holidays.
She was a very loving and caring person. She was great at connecting with old and new friends and keeping those relationships strong. She was blessed with wonderful neighbors who became dear friends. She was someone who was always willing to help wherever she could. As she would say, "See a need, meet a need."
Bonnie co-founded the "Yum Yums", a church dinner club. She was on the Women's Committee at the Elks Club. She enjoyed putting together puzzles during the winter months and gardening in the summer months. Bonnie was a master at balancing her work and home life. Although she worked full time, she always kept a clean home and delicious meals on the table. For this, she was nominated for Burlington Junior Women's League Woman of the Year. She raised her children and lived by the motto "For a happy life, want what you have." This motto brought much happiness to her life and the lives of her family.
Survivors include one daughter, Terri (Jeff) Huddleston of Burlington; one son, Jeff White of Burlington; two grandchildren, Lauren Huddleston of Mt. Pleasant and Jordan Huddleston of Burlington; one brother, Harry Joseph Hill of Carthage, Ill.; three sisters, Patricia (Dennis) Brown of Burlington, Jo Ann Bryant of Burlington, and Paula (Michael) Jakob of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Joseph Hill; brother, Paul Roxlau; and sister, Betty Crabill.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation with the family to receive friends will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, August 29, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church.
The memorial service for Mrs. White will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 29, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dick Johnson officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Presbyterian Church following the memorial service.
Memorials have been established for First Presbyterian Church mission fund and the Des Moines County Humane Society.