Bonnie was born on November 3, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she spent her early childhood. She often shared fond memories of walking to school in the snow, a testament to her resilient spirit. In her teenage years, her family relocated to Delcambre, Louisiana, where they would put down roots and call home.
While attending Delcambre High School, Bonnie met Herman Viator, the young man who would capture her heart and become her lifelong partner. They married on March 14, 1961, and together they raised four children—Cheryl, Cindy, Charles, and Cheryn.
Bonnie was known for her strong work ethic, whether she was caring for her home and children or supporting Herman in their family business, Viator's Texaco in Delcambre. She also worked at Dillard’s in the Petit department and at This and That in New Iberia. But above all, her most cherished roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother.
A woman of many talents, Bonnie found joy in taking care of her yard, crocheting beautiful blankets and hats for her family, and preparing delicious meals. Her chicken and dumplings (or chicken and noodles, as it was known in her native Oklahoma) was a beloved family favorite. Bonnie also found pride in supporting her home team, the Oklahoma Sooners. She was a true "Boomer Sooner," even when it meant rooting against Herman’s LSU Tigers.
Bonnie was a kind and selfless soul who devoted her life to her family. She has now gone on to eternal peace and rest, reunited with her beloved husband, Herman. As we mourn her loss, we hold her memory close in our hearts and eagerly await the day we will be with her again.
Until then, rest well, Momma. You will forever be loved and missed.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Cheryl Viator Fleniken (Jamie), Cindy Viator, Charles Allen Viator and Cheryn Viator Frederick (Dwain); her grandchildren, Dustin Fleniken, Jamie Alexis Fleniken, Bailey Viator, Evan Frederick and Peyton Frederick; her great grandchildren, Addison Savahn Vongchanh and Ailani Logan Touchet; and her sister, Sandra Hicks Viator.
She is preceded in death by her husband Herman Paul “Boone” Viator, her parents, Barney Lee Hicks and Delores Bowers Hicks; her brother, Gary Lee Hicks; and her nephew and niece, Barney Lee Viator and Vicki Lynn Viator.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre on Sunday from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm and will resume on Monday from 8:00 am until 9:45. Following the visitation on Monday, Bonnie Jean will be laid to rest with her husband at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery. Deacon Tim Marcantel will officiate.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the Viator family by visiting Bonnie’s memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
