Bonnie L. Herndon's Obituary
Bonnie Herndon, age 90, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away February 17, 2011 at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on January 26, 1921 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Daniel and Rena (Seyller) Bentzinger. Bonnie grew up in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School in 1938. After high school, she attended Centerville Junior College. On May 30, 1939 Bonnie married Clifford Herndon in Centerville. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2007. Bonnie and Clifford made their home in Centerville until moving to Nebraska City in 1950. While residing in Nebraska City, she became society editor of the Nebraska City News Press. Bonnie provided a weekly society news column for the newspaper. She was very active in the community while living in Nebraska City, including her effort in establishing a youth center known as ""Fort Teen."" In 1956, the couple moved to Creston, Iowa. During this time period Bonnie was employed as a legal secretary for a local attorney. Bonnie and Clifford returned to Centerville in 1964. She became employed with the Centerville School District in the 1970s, working in the Administration Building as a secretary. Bonnie was instrumental in the Centerville Community. She was a member of PEO-Chapter D, member of MXL, as well as an active member of St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary and the First Methodist Church, including membership in the UMW Group. She enjoyed entertaining her friends and family. She loved to cook for neighbors, especially baking goods, such as rolls, coffee cakes, and pies. In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed writing, as well as knitting and sewing. Bonnie is survived by her three children, Portia (Jerry) Reed of Lincoln, Nebraska, Betsy (Michael) Grove of Grimes, Iowa, and Dan (Cynthia) Herndon of Waterloo, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and three sister-in-laws, Francis Herndon of Corydon, Iowa, Rose Herndon of Eureka, California, and Ann Irelan of Centerville, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clifford Herndon; two sisters, Elizabeth Ford, and Joyce Anderson Bolsinger; and a grandson, Matthew Christian Herndon. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, February 25, 2011 at the First Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa with Pastor Terra Amundson officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville from 9 AM-7 PM, with the family present 5-7 PM that evening. A visitation will also be held Friday at the First Methodist Church from 10-11 AM. Interment will follow the fellowship gathering at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Memorials have been established to either the First United Methodist Church or the Bickford Cottage in Urbandale, Iowa and may be left at or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Memorials may be left online at www.langefh.com.
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