Bonnie Marie Stephens, 84, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died Wednesday, April 4th, 2012, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital in Gothenburg.

She was born July 21st, 1927, in Gordon, Nebraska, daughter of Clida J. and Florence A. (Glover) Cunningham.

Bonnie grew up at Gordon and graduated from high school there.  She lived in Gordon, Rushville, Norfolk and Gothenburg. She married Johnie E. Stephens on June 28th, 1954, at Rapid City, South Dakota. To this union, five daughters were born: Verona, Jolene, Kari Lynn, Celeste and Roxanna.

Bonnie worked as receptionist and book keeper for Dr. Craig Bartruff for many years.  Bonnie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also very active in United Methodist Church  in the UMW & Bible Studies. Bonnie loved reading, enjoyed arts and crafts and always enjoyed visiting with new residences and showing them around at Stone Hearth. She also enjoyed the activities and exercise classes.

Surviving are her daughters and their families: Verona and Perry Beguin of Spearfish, South Dakota and their children Shawn and Tina; Jolene and Mark Aragon of New Braunfels, Texas and their children Timothy, Jeremy, Curt and Nicole; Kari Lynn and Bill Wells of Norfolk, Nebraska and their children Andrea, Mitch, Corey and Tiffany; Celeste and Mike Schuhmacher of Chadron, Nebraska and their children Casey and Crystal; Roxanna Bell of Wittmann, Arizona and her children Zac and Samantha; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Wayne Cunningham; two sisters, Delores (Bill) Nydahl and Marva Jeanne Holst; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Bonnie was preceded in death by husband, Johnie Edward Stephens in 2002; her parents, Clida J. and Florence A. Cunningham; son-in-law, Kevin Bell; grandson, Brent Beguin; granddaughter, Jessica Wiebelhaus; sister, Hope Saxton; sister, Doris Carpenter.

Services were held at First United Methodist Church, April 10th, 2012, at 11 a.m., with Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Interment followed in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Johnie Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser. com.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg was in charge of arrangements.