Bonnie Thompson

Bonnie Thompson, 93, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Independence, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Josephine Green; sister, Jaquelyn Green; and husband, Harry “Shorty” Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Norman (Jo) Green of Gladstone, MO; children, Rick (Marleta) Mayville of Tampa, FL, Paul Mayville of Greybull, WY, Robin (John) Rockhold of Independence, MO, and Steve Mayville of Gladstone, MO; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Bonnie was born on August 1, 1931, in Fairmount, MO. She attended Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO, and was voted “Best Girl Athlete” class of 1948.

Soon after graduating, Bonnie moved to Denver, CO, where she met Mike Mayville while he was attending the US Army Aviation School to become a helicopter pilot.

They were married January 19, 1955, and resettled several times around the country as Mike continued his Army career. During this time, they had four children: Rick, Paul, Robin, and Steve.

After Mike’s Army career ended, he joined Air America in Vientiane, Laos. Bonnie’s adventurous spirit motivated her to take the children and join Mike there. Bonnie and Mike separated while still in Laos and were later divorced.

Bonnie and the children eventually moved back to Kansas City to be close to her mother. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years, but it was her last job at Dial-a-Ride that she enjoyed most. She loved helping people.

On June 21, 1969, she married Shorty Thompson. They met while in a bowling league. Bonnie and Shorty were together for 50 years. They enjoyed time together with friends and family, which included camping, square dancing, riding motorcycles, music, card games, and board games. After Shorty retired in 1983, they traveled extensively, attended music festivals, and enjoyed winters in Arizona.

One of their favorite activities included playing music. They spent many sessions with her Uncle Jack, Uncle Mike, and other friends playing bluegrass music. Bonnie played fiddle and mandolin, and Shorty played banjo. Bonnie also enjoyed playing her organ at home.

In January of 2010 (age 78), Bonnie joined a group from First Baptist Church of Oak Grove on an eight-day mission trip to the Philippines. It was to be a very challenging trip, but she meticulously prepared and had a wonderful experience.

Bonnie also had a passion for making hand-sewn quilts. She loved to relax, stitch her quilt squares, and watch The Young and the Restless on TV. She quilted many beautiful works of art that she loved to give away.

It is well known that Bonnie cherished all her cars and motorcycles. Her vanity plate, Star88, was her basketball jersey number during her senior year of high school. When Bonnie decided she had to stop driving, she sold her car but kept the plate.

Bonnie lived a full and happy life. She always let those she cared about know she loved them. She overcame many challenges throughout her life and spent her final years cheering other people up and delivering smiles. She will be missed by many.