Bonnie Decou Fisher

in Elk Rapids, MI.

Bonnie was born November 3, 1917, in Bourbon, Indiana to O.M. Graham, MD and Frances DeCou Graham. As a child her family moved several times but she spent most of her childhood in Bellefontaine and Phillipsburg, Ohio. She graduated from Steele High School in Dayton, OH, in 1935 and from Earlham College in Richmond, IN, in 1939

On September 9, 1939 she married John C. (Bud) Fisher in Phillipsburg. They then moved to Toledo, OH, Flint, MI and Pittsburgh, PA before moving back to Flint in 1942 where they lived raising five children until March 1957 when the family moved to rural northwest Oakland County, MI.

In the 1960s Bonnie went back to college to obtain her teachers certificate. She then taught kindergarten in the Lake Fenton and Fenton Schools for 11years before retiring in 1977. After she and Bud retired they moved to Elk Rapids.

Bonnie and Bud were married almost 60 years. Bud passed away in 1999, Bonnie was also predeceased by her parents, her sisters Virginia and Frances and her brother Gordon and an infant son, John Edgar Fisher.

Bonnie is survived by sons Thomas Graham Fisher (Barbara) of Indianapolis, IN, , Joseph Corwin Fisher (Deborah) of Elk Rapids, John Wilkins Fisher (Susan) of Canton, MI; daughters Jane Graham Fisher Martin of Lincoln Park, MI and Elizabeth DeCou Fisher Witte of Franklin, TN, 12 grand children and 22 great grand children, former daughter- in- law and dear friend, Dianne Kiltcherman of Elk Rapids and many nieces and nephews. Bonnie received excellent care during the last 3 months at Cherry Suite, Elk Rapids. The family thanks Melanie White and her staff.

Bonnie was an exemplary mother to her five children and always supportive of their many and varied interests. She and Bud valued education and made it a priority for their children and all five graduated from college. Music was also a big part of her life. She was an accomplished pianist and loved to sing. She belonged to several music groups and sang in church and community choirs in Flint, Holly and Elk Rapids.

Bonnie loved all of her family dearly and was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. Bonnie loved to entertain which she did with grace and class. She loved to laugh and to tell and be told and retold family stories.

She will be dearly missed.

Bonnie was a member of AAUW, PEO, Elk Rapids Garden Club, Elk Rapids Golf Club and First Presbyterian Church, Elk Rapids.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 27, 2015. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with service following at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, MI, Rev. Rev. Gary Bekkering officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Elk Rapids Garden Club, P.O. Box 534, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 or the Elk Rapids Band Boosters Club, c/o Elk Rapids High School, 308 Meguzee, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. Arrangements entrusted to Covell Funeral Home.

Please share a memory of Bonnie at www.covellfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.