Bonnie Gibson

Bonnie Karen Gibson of Gillespie, IL, passed away on September 30, 2023, leaving a legacy of love.  Bonnie led an extraordinary life.  She was born March 29, 1947 in Bruno, MO to Alvis and Ruby (Rutherford) Shafer.  At a young age, she married Jerry Gibson, to whom she was married for 43 years.  They had 5 children, Lynn (Kenny) Petrelli, Noam (Diane) Gibson, Lisa Monroe, Becky Gibson, Kim (Brian) Stoops, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 5 sisters and brothers, many nieces and nephews and numerous close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson.  Bonnie worked throughout her life as a seamstress, housekeeper, cabinet maker, brake parts assembler for 23 years and in between she worked at the family sawmill and farm.  Finally, she ended her career, retiring from State Farm as a licensed team member, where she worked for 17 years at a job she truly loved.  Bonnie regretted not graduating from high school, so at the age of 46, she successfully completed the course work and received her GED Graduation Certificate from Lewis & Clark Community College.  Bonnie loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Gillespie for almost 50 years.  She taught Sunday School and organized events for her "church ladies."  Bonnie was the unofficial landscaper and gardener at the church.  She spent hours picking out plants, flowers, planting, watering and caring for them.  In addition, Bonnie served on the Mission's Committee and managed the kitchen which included coordinating potlucks, funeral receptions and visiting pastor meals.  Her personal ministry was to send out a daily devotional.  Bonnie had a servant's heart.  Bonnie tirelessly worked in her yard, planting flowers and plants.  Her favorite season was fall when she decorated with mums and pumpkins. Bonnie was a fantastic cook and baker.  She loved to fix prime rib dinner for her family at Christmas and she cherished the time together.  She delighted in gift giving.  Bonnie enjoyed traveling and visited many beautiful places in her life.  She passed the travel bug on to her children and grandchildren.  Bonnie loved, and was loved by, her family and church family.  Bonnie recently said, "I just hope I leave a good testimony."  Mission accomplished!  Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 5pm - 8pm at the Gillespie First Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 10 am at the Gillespie First Baptist Church with Pastor Jared DePoppe officiating.  Bonnie will be laid to rest at Gillespie Cemetery next to her beloved husband.  The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church with Bonnie Gibson memorial in the memo line to be designated for the grounds fund.  Please mail checks payable to the First Baptist Church to Becky Gibson, 200 E Foch Street, Carlinville, IL, 62626.  Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.  Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.

Obit Provided By:
Kravanya Funeral Home