Bonnie Elaine Williams

Bonnie Elaine Via Williams, 82, of Columbia, MO, went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 11, 2013. She died at home, surrounded by her family. Bonnie was born June 11, 1930, to the late William T. and Thelma Everson Via in Kansas City, MO. She moved with her family to the Gravois Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks in 1947, and attended high school in Versailles. She was married to Billy J. Williams for 38 years and together they owned and operated Williams’ Bait Shop. When Billy was hired as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office, Bonnie managed the bait shop almost single-handedly for many years while raising their five children. In 1969, she began working at Marker’s Store in Gravois Mills. After the children grew up and left home, Bonnie helped keep the community safe by serving on the Gravois Mills Neighborhood Watch Patrol. Bonnie was a longtime member of the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church and served as an active leader of the United Methodist Women, UMYF, and Sunday School. She was a PTA member of her children’s schools in Gravois Mills and Versailles, and she and Billy chaperoned and chauffeured for many school functions. She was a member of the V.F.W. and often spoke to classrooms of local school children about patriotism. Bonnie moved to Columbia, MO in 2000. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Billy, her brother, Jack Reinke, and her niece, Donna Reinke. Bonnie’s memory will be cherished by her five children, Susan M. Waldron (Craig) of Anniston, AL, Margaret J. Koppenaal (Dave) of Richland, WA, Scott E. Williams (Jane) of Columbia, MO, Mary E. Williams (Bryan Shaw) of Temecula, CA and Kay L. Williams-Krueger (John) of Louisville, KY. She leaves seven grandchildren, Brooke Waldron, Joel Koppenaal (Donell), Jenna Koppenaal, Aaron Williams (Stacey), Suzanne Williams (John Plakmeyer), Madeline and Molly Krueger and one great-grandson, Cade Koppenaal. Her children by choice were Janice Sousley Anderson of Ashland, MO, Nora Sousley Greenwade of Willard, MO, and “grandson”, Orlando Winbush of Columbia, MO. She will be greatly missed by her sisters-in-law, JoAnn Johnson and Gloriana Reinke, plus many nephews, nieces and friends. Perhaps the one that will miss her most is her canine companion, Petey. The family would like to extend their appreciation to New Horizons United Methodist Church and the residents and staff at Boone Landing for their many expressions of friendship and love to Bonnie. A service to celebrate her life will be at the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church Friday, May 17, 2013. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following in the banquet hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church, 437 Valley Rd., P.O. Box 19, Gravois Mills, 65037; the Central MO Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO, 65202; or Love, INC., 1516 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, MO, 65202. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Bonnie Elaine Williams

June 11, 1930 - May 11, 2013

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Bonnie Elaine Williams

June 11, 1930 - May 11, 2013

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

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