Bonnie Franklin Hinkel

Bonnie was born on a ranch near Charlotte, Texas. Later her family moved to Fowlerton, TX and then to Los Angeles, TX. She went to school in Fowlerton, Los Angeles and Cotulla, Texas, graduating from Cotulla High School as the class Valedictorian in 1960. She graduated from Southwest Texas College with a Bachelor of Arts with degrees in English and Spanish.

She married James Frank Hinkel, an Air Force officer, in 1964. They spent the next thirty-one years moving around the States while she raised two kids, established seventeen homes, and taught school in Texas (twice), New York, and Virginia. She also worked in adult education and English as a Second Language programs. As her husband moved up in rank, she became a very capable Commander's Wife. They retired from the Air Force in 1995, settling in San Antonio.

After the Air Force, Bonnie dove into family affairs, striving to make up for the thirty-one years she was missing. An early, and very happy joy, was the birth of two grandchildren - - Addie in 1999 and Tom in 2001. She loved those children and tried very hard to be important in their lives. She succeeded, helping to raise and care for them when they were very young. She wasn't more proud of anything than these two kids. They have been very successful - - the first graduating from A&M with a 4.0 grade point average and the second is now a senior there pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Bonnie was the youngest of eight in her family. Her only brother and one sister died before she returned home from the Air Force, but the other five were still in South Texas. Family was everything to Bonnie. She immediately became involved with the five and more familiar with their offsprings. She quickly became a dominant force in family dynamics. She was the one that scheduled sister events - - seeing that they happened and were enjoyed by the attendees. This group of sisters has grown to include daughters and granddaughters; she has ensured events include the same enthusiasm and comedic approach she always brought to things.

Bonnie was loved and admired by many - - both in and out of her family. She was one of those people who never met a stranger - - she was funny, entertaining, humble and very bright. She brought laughter and love to all; she will be missed; her departure leaves a hole in the hearts of many.

There will be a visitation at noon on October 10th followed by a service at 1 PM at Oxford United Methodist Church, 9739 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240.

She was predeceased by her son, James Frank Hinkel, Jr, by her parents, by her brother Leo Jerome Jr, and by sisters Louise, Marilee, June and Mattie Belle.

She was survived by her husband, Jim Hinkel; her daughter, Jill Ralph (Andy); her grandkids, Addie and Tom; and sisters, Doris Boeker and Frankie Petty.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses, doctors and other staff members at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital and at the Main Methodist Hospital for their loving and talented care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of Bonnie's favorite charities: Doctors Without Borders, SAMM Ministries in SA, SA Food Bank or Children Incorporated.