Bonnie Lee (Harris) Thiel entered the gates of heaven on January 24th after spending 94 years on Earth. Welcoming her was her husband, Edward Thiel, Daughter-in-law, Alison (Handy) Thiel, who left us in 2010. Her parents: Francis Russell Harris and Emma Sarah (Gudgel) Harris. Brothers Marion Harris and Ronald Harris, sisters Betty Dollens, Dean Shipp and Dorothy Schuh.
Born May 3rd, 1930 in Dairyland, Bonnie was a 1948 graduate of Chowchilla High School. Elementary years were spent at Central Grammar School in the Dairyland area. She was a lifelong Chowchilla Resident, with a couple of hiatuses, two years in Washington DC from 1950-1952 as a military spouse, then in Dalhart, Tx from 1982-1986, returning home to Chowchilla until her death.
On her twin sisters’ 21st birthday, March 11, 1950, Bonnie married Edward Thiel, a union that lasted 62 years, Eddie passed from this life on August 27, 2012. Bonnie, or Mutt as her family knew her was but 13 ½ months (May 3,1930) younger than the twins, Betty being two years older than the twins…Sisters this close in age made for a unique sibling bond. The girls loved and worshiped their bookend brothers which made for a complete family. Marion was born 1924, Ronnie in 1937. They lived, loved, and even relatively speaking died together. Dean passed away in December 1988. Betty, while mourning her sister sensed something was wrong, succumbed to cancer three years later December of 1991. Dot left in April of 2024, it was obvious Mutt’s heart was broken which accelerated her decline. Marion passed away in September of 2003, Ronnie in February of 2022. Bonnie’s passing this year completes the cycle of life and their family is united again. The old hymn:” When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!”
In January of 1955, precisely nine months after Ed’s return from the Korean War, their first son Douglas Edward Thiel was born. July 1956 a daughter Susan Melinda (May) Thiel brightened their day. David Harris Thiel blessed them two days after Christmas in 1957. Bringing up the rear was Chowchilla’s First Baby of the year, Dennis Lee Thiel in 1961, all of Chowchilla. Bonnie is survived by all her children, plus two daughter-in laws; Terry Thiel and Karen Thiel, married to Doug and David respectfully. Five grandchildren; Robert Thiel, Amy Anderson, Katie Hamlin, Matthew Thiel and Megan Phillips. And Ten great-grandchildren with a set of twins on the way.
Little League umpires had serious consequences to face if they dared call a strike on one of her boys, didn’t matter if the pitch was down the middle. “Mamma Bear Mutt” would fend for her cubs no matter what. “Harsh” might describe her, sixty years later people still remember! Equally as tenacious was her pride she had for her daughter’s amazing artwork. A thief once dared to steal one her “cubs” sack lunches at school. He liked it so well the next day he stole it again, but this time he enjoyed a chocolate bar of ExLax and a sandwich full of hot sauce. Never happened again! This was her way! Her family was her everything!
Bonnie was an incredibly talented pianist. Music was her passion, her ministry, and her legacy. At an early age she began playing in church, blessing parishioners for as long as human faculties would allow. Singing with her sister (Dot) and niece (Debbie Janssen), dubbed “The Family Connection” gave her great joy. Professionally she was a beautician, owning and operating “The Beauty Box” in the middle 70s. Her store on Robertson Blvd provided the backdrop for “Good Morning America” as the “Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping” story unfolded, one of Chowchilla’s darkest memories.
She was involved in Church Choirs, orchestrated many concerts in the Chowchilla/ Merced area, and a participant in the Merced Chapter of Sweet Adelines for many years. But mostly her dedication to her family and friends defined her. The love she harbored was unwavering until the end. She enjoyed a long and happy life and was a beacon for Jesus and the principal influence of her children’s walk with Christ. She will be missed; an unforgettable love will be present in our hearts the rest of our lives.
Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant. Until we meet again!
Please join us in remembering Bonnie Lee Thiel by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Thiel Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
