Bonnie Lou Van Gieson was born on February 23, 1935 to Earl and Letitia (Riggs) Rogers in Wichita, Kansas.

At age 3, Bonnie was raised by her mother's family, Grandma Louella Riggs and Aunt Leah Faye Riggs in Wichita.  After kindergarten, she came to live with her Uncle Bud and Aunt Twila Riggs in Adams, Kansas.  Bonnie grew up helping Wilbur and Martha Riggs run the Adams Grocery Store.  She often rode the train back to Wichita to visit her grandma and aunt.

After graduating from Adams High School, Bonnie married Lee Van Gieson at the Union Sunday School in Adams.  The couple made their home in Wichita Falls, Texas as Lee was stationed there in the Army Air Force.  While in Texas, their first child, Debra was born in 1953.  Lee was honorably discharged in 1954 and they returned home to Adams to farm with Lee's dad, Virgil.  They added four more children to their family: Steve in 1955, Joan in 1957, Kelly in 1961, and Christine in 1963.

As they became empty nesters, Bonnie worked outside the home.  She loved being with people and visiting.  She worked at the Harper Hospital, the grocery store in Harper, and the lunchroom at Norwich Schools.

In 2010, Kelly tore down the old farmhouse and built a shed home.  Bonnie and Lee enjoyed their new home, Lee until his passing in 2011 and Bonnie remained until her recent passing.  They had been married for 53 years.  Lee and Bonnie opened their hearts and home for relatives who needed care.

Bonnie will always be remembered for her crescent rolls and cookies she made for each grandchild and great-grandchild for their birthdays.  God richly blessed her life with 17 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

A faithful and dedicated Christian, Bonnie wanted everyone to know how important it is to have God in your life and a church family.  She is forever grateful to her family at Harper Christian Church.

At the age of 86 years and 10 months, Bonnie passed away at her home on December 23, 2021.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee; Grandma Louella; Aunt Leah Faye; and Uncle Bud and Aunt Twila.  Bonnie is survived by her children: Debra Burns of Marion, Indiana, Steven Van Gieson and his wife, Colleen of Norwich, Kansas, Joan Smith and her husband, Jan of Norwich, Kelly Van Gieson and his wife, Teresa of Rago, and Christine Coon and her husband, Jim of Belmont, Kansas; seventeen grandchildren and forty-three great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Visitation is 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday with family present from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral Service is 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2021 at the Harper Christian Church with Pastor Ed Hughlett officiating.  Graveside service follows at the Harper Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harper Christian Church and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058