05/11/2013
Bonnie Mae (James) Laird, age 55, passed away Saturday morning, May 11, 2013, at her residence of rural Chariton, Iowa.
She was born October 4, 1957, in Knoxville the daughter of Lyle Harry and Wanda Colene (DeMoss) James. Bonnie was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School.
After high school, Bonnie was a homemaker before going to college where she received her teaching degree from Grandview College. She was a substitute teacher for several years in many different school systems. Her most recent teaching position was in Des Moines, working with preschool children.
On May 1, 1986, Bonnie and Ralph Laird, Jr. were united in marriage. Bonnie and Ralph were blessed with many children and 27 years of marriage before Bonnie’s death.
Bonnie was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene of Knoxville. She had a wonderful talent for scrapbooking and crafts. She especially enjoyed collecting toy frogs and Pillsbury Dough Boys. She also sold Avon for several years.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Ralph Laird, Jr. of Chariton; her parents, Lyle and Wanda James of Knoxville; her children, Michael James of Chariton, Kathie Jo Gray of Knoxville, Nathan James of Chariton, and Nacole “Annie” Laird of Glennwood; numerous stepchildren; 24 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Bonnie is also survived by her sister, Pat Miller of Fishers, Indiana; and two brothers, Rick James of Pleasantville and Kevin James of Knoxville.
Visitation for Bonnie will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville, with Bonnie’s family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 17th, at the Church of the Nazarene of Knoxville, with Rev. Brent Hanna officiating. Burial will follow services at Graceland Cemetery of Knoxville.
A memorial has been established in Bonnie’s name to Circle of Friends Home Health Care or the Hospice HCI Care Services. Condolences may be sent to WWW.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting the family with arrangements.