Bonita Eileen (Bonnie) Steward, 78, of Iola, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at her residence. Bonnie was born April 30, 1946, in Pittsburg, to Oral Del Roy Martin and Dorothy (Darrow) Martin.
The family traveled a lot due to her father’s job in her younger years before settling in Iola, where she met Jack. Bonnie and Jackie L. (Jack) Steward were married Dec. 10, 1960, in Iola, Kansas. They had five children.
Bonnie owned and operated Bonnie’s Corner Café for 30 years in Gas, Kansas. She was active in the local PTA, serving as president of the organization. In 1999, Bonnie spearheaded the Allen County Millennium Blast, raising over $12,000 for the event that was held in Riverside Park in Iola. She appeared on the front cover of the book “Passing Gas” written by Gary Gladstone in 2003.
Bonnie and Jack, after they retired, volunteered with the Allen County Community Food Pantry.
Bonnie loved her husband and family. She loved spending time with them during the holidays and could turn any event into a holiday or event to celebrate. She was a people person, who served the public and enjoyed her friends. Bonnie taught many employees how to properly count change, and she influenced many young lives.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; sister, Kay Gross, and son-in-law, Jim Sager.
Bonnie is survived by children, Tracy Steward, Debbie Sager, Jackie Woolery, Teresa (Gene) Weatherbie and Nancy (Dale) Maley; grandchildren, Jacob Maley, Bobby Maley, Ethan Maley, Nathan Maley, Cassidy Weatherbie, Dalton Weatherbie, Alec Sager, Coury Sager and Brock Woolery; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Russell) Wiggins, Cindy (Mike) Yeates; sister-in-law, Sue (Porter) Clark; and numerous other relatives and friends who will greatly miss her.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, at First Baptist Church, Iola. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Allen County Community Food Pantry, and may be left with the funeral home.
Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
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