Bonnie J. Thomas

Bonnie J. Thomas died on May 12, 2026, in Westerville, Ohio, surrounded by family, friends, and talented and compassionate Caretenders Hospice workers. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Edsel E. Thomas, her three brothers, Howard, ”Bud”, and Jim Ridenour, and her parents, Angeline Edith Henreitta Koehl Blank, and Howard Ridenour (senior). Bonnie is survived by her son, Terry L Thomas, daughter-in-law Sandra Brandehoff-Smith, Granddaughters Amanda Williams, and Bethany Osborne (Sam), and great grandsons, Bennett Williams and Callan Osborne, her sister Nancy Driscol (Blank), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bonnie and Edsel married in 1946 and had a wonderful life together for 70 years. Bonnie and Edsel had met in Lima, Ohio, while Edsel was visiting his family there. Their lifelong adventure together began after Edsel, who was in the Navy in WWII and had just returned from his Liberation of the Philippines tour, was in the hospital recovering from a severe injury to his spine and legs. Determined to marry Edsel, Bonnie boarded a train in Lima, Ohio, at the age of 19, went to the San Francisco Naval Hospital, and she and Edsel were married there on April 17, with Bonnie not knowing whether Edsel would ever walk again, Now, that’s true love.

Bonnie and Edsel both excelled at their jobs and decided to retire as early as possible. They retired at age 56 and traveled and moved many times, 29 times at last count, but they spent 30 years in Florida, mostly in the Ormond Beach area. They entertained friends at many dinner parties, joined several organizations, from the Ormond Beach Museum Board and the Daytona Beach Women’s Club, where Bonnie would wear her ‘fancy” dresses to numerous events and balls, to the “Animal Clubs”…the Elks, Eagles and Moose clubs, anywhere there was dancing, because they loved to dance. If there was a week when they did not go to a dance, and if there were no event that week, one would see them dancing in their living room. It was a life to be envied by most. Most of all, Bonnie loved her family and spent many days creating memories with her son, granddaughters, Amanda and Bethany, and their children, too. Bonnie’s smile was ever present, and her true loving and gentle nature was obvious to everyone who met her.

Bonnie…Mother...Grandma...GGBonnie….We will miss you.

Please join us as we welcome and receive guests at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN, 5980 Perimeter Dr. Dublin, OH 43017 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate Bonnie’s life.