Bonnie Jean Knepper, age 88, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. She was born February 28, 1937, in Elliott, Kentucky, and was the daughter of Kenneth and Mima (Pennington) Parsons.
She had a bold, humorous, and sweet personality. Witty and smart, she was always determined. Bonnie was very creative, enjoying craft painting with vivid colors. She liked nature, including birds and flowers, and loved reading. Christmas was her favorite time of the year; she loved decorating at Christmas time and even hosted tours of her decorated home. Watching Christmas Hallmark movies was a favorite pastime.
Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Valerie J. Rivard and Jennifer L. Knepper; seven grandchildren, Jason, Ashley, Jessica, Brandy, Meghan, Destiny, and Hannah; many great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte (Brad) Thompson; many nieces and nephews; and many dear family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, William H. Knepper, Jr.; daughter, Annina K. Knepper; grandson, Uzziah, brother, Elmo Harris, sisters, Leah Wheatcraft and Elaine Brown.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Ontario, OH. The funeral will be Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mansfield Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011. Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario is honored to serve the Knepper family.
