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SMITH, BONNIE LaVonne, 87 years old of Bartlesville, Oklahoma journeyed from this world to Heaven, rejoicing to meet Jesus face-to-face on Saturday, January 23, 2021 as a result of several chronic health conditions.
Bonnie was born July 3, 1933 in Strum, Wisconsin to Boyd and Amy Burke. Early in her childhood, her family moved to Brainerd, Minnesota to pursue her father’s business interests there. She grew up in Brainerd, looking after her only sibling, a younger brother, Doug. Her school friends were very dear to her, many of whom she corresponded with throughout her entire life. She loved to dance and took every opportunity to do so. She graduated from Brainerd Senior High School in the Class of 1951.
In 1955, she met and married the love of her life, Jere Smith. She worked professionally for a time at IBM Corporation, resigning to return home full-time to invest in to her three children Greg, Scott and Tracy. Her children were blessed by her strong example, her positive vision and her unwavering support. She was always her children’s biggest fan and greatest champion. She was an outstanding homemaker and wife who, over the course of 66 years, took great care of her husband, Jere as they created and shared many adventures and memories together.
As her children married, Bonnie added to her reputation by becoming a trusted and beloved mother-in-law. As grandchildren came along, she was the ever-supportive “Nana” who would listen carefully for as long as a grandchild wanted to talk, about any topic, seasoned with plenty of snacks. Over the course of her life, she worked hard to fashion a home that was considered a welcoming refuge and a place of rest by all who visited.
Bonnie was a long-time and active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville. She sincerely enjoyed and benefitted from the Biblical teaching of the pastoral staff there as well as being an eager student of The Holy Bible in her own studies. Her many friends at the church were a source of great joy and comfort as the storms and celebrations of life came and went.
As an avid and talented cook, she amassed a formidable collection of
recipes, books and resources that formed a hobby that her family and friends
benefited from, sometimes too much, as her food was always tasty and
abundant.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Jere, of the home. Bonnie’s
three children include her oldest son, Greg, who passed away in 1977; son
Scott and his wife, Terri of Blanchard, Oklahoma; daughter Tracy and husband
Sam Sparks of Dewey, Oklahoma.
Eleven grandchildren include Spencer Smith and his wife, Sydney McFerron-Smith of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and their two children, Rowan (3) and Denver (6 weeks); Jered Clarke of Dewey, Oklahoma; Austin Smith of Blanchard, Oklahoma; Hunter Smith and his wife Madison of Norman, Oklahoma; Connor Smith and his wife Britta of Kailua, Hawaii; Hudson Sparks of Stillwater, Oklahoma and Hannah Sparks of Searcy, Arkansas; Samuel Sparks III and his wife Retha of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and their three children, Samuel IV, Gerrith and Greer; Jacob Sparks and his wife Enid of Frisco, Texas and their four children, Jake, Luke, Eli and Laurelynn; Caleb Sparks and his wife Kadie of Jenks, Oklahoma and their son Lucas; and Lauren Sparks.
Additionally, her sister-in-law, Barbara (wife to Bonnie’s brother, Doug, now deceased) and her son Brian, a nephew, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; another sister-in-law Carol and children Tim (deceased), Lori and Tony from a previous marriage of Bonnie’s brother Doug, also in Minnesota.
Out of concern for the health of Bonnie’s beloved friends, an in-person
memorial service limited to only the immediate family will be held on
Friday, January 29, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3700 Woodland Road in
Bartlesville. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube for any friends
who would wish to join the family in the celebration of Bonnie’s life and
graduation to an eternity in heaven with God. Please see the YouTube link
below
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqAJeAvk3iTV_ndKl_EFpiA
The Smith Family would also like to thank the many friends who have reached out to us during this time, offering comfort, prayer and condolences. The Smiths are also grateful for the gracious and professional services of the staff at Stumpff Funeral Homes in Bartlesville, Oklahoma as well as for the compassionate care from Pastor Bill Shupe at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that friends and family consider making a donation to the Dewey (Oklahoma) Fire Department, who went to extraordinary lengths to assist and help Bonnie in her time of greatest need. Please write any checks to: The Dewey Fire Department. In the Comments section, please write “in memory of Bonnie Smith”. Mail the check to: The City of Dewey, 411 E. Don Tyler, Dewey, OK 74029. The Smith Family thanks you for any contribution that you may wish to make in the memory of our beloved Bonnie.
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