Bonnie Jean McElroy passed away on June 29, 2022, at the age of 89 in
Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born on July 31, 1932, in Hays, Kansas, to
James “Jimmy” and Gladys (Lowry) McClellan. She was united in marriage
to Bethel McElroy on June 2, 1951, in Palco, Kansas, at the United
Methodist Church. The couple was blessed with four sons: Rod, Mickie,
Jim and Larry.
Bonnie grew up in Rooks County, she attended grade school in Zurich
and high school in Palco where she graduated with the class of 1949.
Following high school, she attended Fort Hays State for 2 years before
she married Bethel and the couple moved back to Zurich until Bethel’s
honorable discharge from the army. The couple then moved to a farm near
Palco on the Red Line. They moved into town in 1957 and raised four
sons. Bonnie spent her years raising her family and being a working hand
on the farm and ranch. She was a key part in the farm operation, making
sure the crew was well fed and would assist anywhere she was recruited.
Bonnie enjoyed the outdoors, especially the baby calves, spending time
in her garden, and out-fishing her husband. It was also known she was a
talented artist. She created many immaculate pieces which were
displayed, sold, and earned many awards. Bonnie enjoyed sharing her love
of art by teaching several painting classes. If she wasn’t outdoors or
painting, she enjoyed square dancing, playing cards with her coffee club
and friends, and was an avid Kansas sports fan. She rooted for the KU
basketball team, the K-State Football team, and the Royals. Bonnie was a
member of the Palco Methodist Church, Bridge and Pitch Card Club,
Coffee Club, and Red Hat Society.
Bonnie enjoyed the springtime, being outside, and tending her
gardens. She not only tenderly cared for her family, dachshunds and
garden, but more importantly she sowed the seeds of love and laughter
into the lives of those closest to her. Although we will miss her
greatly, we rejoice that she is now reaping the bountiful harvest of her
hard work and loving labor, in the company of her Lord, until we see
her again.
She is survived by her husband, Bethel McElroy of South Hutchinson,
KS; sons, Rod (Jolene) McElroy of Wheelersburg, OH, Mickie (Glenda)
McElroy of Logan, KS, Jim (Bonnie) McElroy of Sterling, KS, Larry
(Shirley) McElroy of Lake Jackson, TX; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen
great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
Bonnie joins in her heavenly home, her parents, Jimmy and Gladys
McClellan; and siblings, Wayne (Lorine) McClellan and Eris (Chuck)
McClellan-Waller.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the
United Methodist Church in Palco at 2 PM. A Book Signing will be held at
the funeral home in Plainville from 8 AM until 5 PM on Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project or the St.
Jude Childrens Hospital and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.