Obituary for Bonita (Bonnie) Sue Johnson

Bonita (Bonnie) Sue Johnson was born in Boone, Iowa on February 6th, 1944.  She was the daughter of Max and Wava (Funk) Rusk.  When she was a toddler, her family moved to Belle Plaine, Iowa. A hard-working honor student, spirited cheerleader and sock hop enthusiast, she graduated in 1962 from Belle Plane High School.  Bonnie went on to graduate from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in English in 1966. 

On June 6th, 1965, Bonnie united in marriage with Russell Johnson – her high school sweetheart and sock hop partner.  Together, they were the proud parents of 2 children:  Jilleen and Jerrett. 

Bonnie spent 30 years teaching junior high and high school English in the Pleasantville Community School District – positively impacting the lives of generations of students.  Post-teaching, she spent several summers working in the entry department of the Iowa State Fair.  She also used her English/educational background to assist numerous people with tutoring or furthering education.  She was a patient listener and wise counselor with a cheerful attitude & a bright infectious smile. 

Bonnie enjoyed many hobbies.  She liked needlepoint, genealogy, traveling, and reading (British history was her favorite).  Bonnie found pleasure in decorating her home, particularly at Christmas where every available spot was filled with decorations to celebrate the season.  As a member of the Southern Iowa Mustang Club, she and Russ could often be seen around town in their Mustang convertible headed for ice cream wearing their Iowa State University attire.  Bonnie was an active member of the Fairview Christian Church where she served as Elder and on the Church Board for many years.

Bonnie’s happiest time was spent with her husband, their children, their spouses and her two granddaughters.  There were many family trips over the years, but her favorite was the celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii.   Bonnie’s granddaughters meant the world to her.  She and Russ frequently travelled to watch them play volleyball, softball, lacrosse, and perform in school musicals & piano recitals – spending as much time as possible with them as they were growing up.

Those remaining to cherish her memory:  her loving husband of 58 years, Russell; their 2 children, Jilleen Eschman (Jeff) from Houston, TX; Jerrett Johnson (Daria) from Bowling Green, KY; their 2 granddaughters, Lauren Shreve (Noah) & Jenna Johnson; and her brother, Terry Rusk from Belle Plaine, IA.  We are grateful for her love, the happy times we shared and the memories she left with us. 

Bonnie passed away May 27, 2023 at the age of 79.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Max & Wava Rusk. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM on July 8, 2023 at the Fairview Christian Church in Pleasantville, IA.  There will be a reception following the service at the church at noon.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

·         Fairview Christian Church, PO Box 247, Pleasantville, IA 50225

·         Puppy Jake Foundation, 3101 104th St #2, Urbandale, IA 50322 (Trains & places service dogs to assist wounded veterans - puppyjakefoundation.org)