Bonnie Ann Trout

Bonnie Ann Trout, 74, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on February 14, 2021. Bonnie was born in Huntington County, Indiana on November 3, 1946 to Roger and Rita Shideler. A farm girl, Bonnie was very involved in 4H and was even named “Miss Holstein.” Bonnie graduated from Rock Creek High School and earned her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education at Ball State University. She married Larry Trout in 1976 in Warren, Indiana. Her professional career as a school teacher began in Arizona and eventually led her to teaching jobs in Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia. She was a life-changing teacher for more than 30 years and always believed that teaching was a part of the mission field. Bonnie also had a love for singing and playing the guitar (which she taught herself to play). She would not only play in her classroom, but also at professional gigs and at churches. People were always moved by her unique and captivating voice. Church was a very important part of Bonnie’s life. Over the years she taught Sunday School, Wednesday night programming, and Vacation Bible School, and was the music leader at church camp. Her most memorable moment was when a 5th grader in Georgia asked her to help him accept Christ. In Indiana, Bonnie was a member of Emmanuel Community Church. In Florida, she attended First Baptist Church of Leesburg where she and Larry were volunteers at the church’s thrift store. Bonnie was also an active member of a small group Bible study that became like family to her and Larry. Her social activities included The Villages’ Friends of Indiana Club, Indiana Club, IU Club, and Palo Alto Club. She also volunteered with Operation Shoebox to support soldiers overseas. Bonnie loved cheering on her favorite teams: the Chicago Cubs and the Indiana Hoosiers. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, music, eating out, and spending time with friends and family. Bonnie leaves to mourn her passing, her beloved husband of 44 years, Larry Trout; daughter, Natalie Trout; step-sons. Mike (Kathy) Trout, Mark (Stacey) Trout, and Mitch (Julie) Trout; eight grandchildren; brother, David (Pamela) Shideler; as well as beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm on Monday, February 22, 2021,Emmanuel Community Church12222 W. US-24 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814, with visitation from 12-2pm. Those who are unable to attend can view the service on the Bonnie Larry Shideler-Trout Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home at www.vnfw.org, or to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.com. Condolences can be left online at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com.