05/30/2014
Bonnie Jean (Mark) Findley, age 88, of Knoxville passed away Friday evening, May 30, 2014 at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville.
Bonnie was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on January 12, 1926. One month later she was adopted by Jack Garfield and Miriam Edith (Rankin) Mark, who farmed north of Knoxville. Bonnie graduated from the Knoxville High School, Class of 1943.
On March 21, 1943 Bonnie eloped with Ray Robert Findley and was married in Lancaster, Missouri. To this union five children were born.
Ray and Bonnie were known for their frequent moves, finally settling in Knoxville in 1988 after many years in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Bonnie was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She was also a faithful member of the New Covenant Church before moving to West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center on January 26, 2003.
Bonnie was a gifted pianist, playing by ear nearly any song she heard. She later had a trio band called the “Golden Tones”. Bonnie truly loved her music.
Bonnie is survived by her five children, Linda (Swann) Juline, Nancy Shilling, Ron (Cris) Findley, Bob Findley, and Jim (Robin) Findley; nine grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 11 step great-grandchildren. Bonnie is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Sharon Stuchel and Roberta Findley.
She was preceded by her husband, Ray Findley; her parents, Jack and Miriam Mark; her sister, Francis Betterton Ling; and her brothers-in-law, Jack Findley and Jim Stuchel.
Visitation for Bonnie will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 3, 2014 with Bonnie’s family present at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. also Tuesday at the Winfield Funeral Home with Swann Juline officiating. Burial will follow services at the Woodlawn Cemetery of Lovilia.
A memorial has been established in Bonnie’s name for the Ken Locke Stadium Sound System or the West Ridge Nursing Center Activity Fund.
Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is helping Bonnie’s family with services.