Bonnie Beth Dean

Bonnie Beth Dean, 75, of Kansas City, MO passed away at home on April 16, 2025. She will be interred with her late husband, James Daniel Dean, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS in a private ceremony.

Bonnie was born on December 25, 1949, in Tilden, NE, to Robert and Beth (Billings) Dunaway, the oldest of five siblings. She grew up in Hastings, NE, and graduated from Hastings High School. Bonnie attended several colleges, including the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and finally the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated in 1991 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Bonnie was married to James on July 24, 1971, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings, NE. Bonnie and James raised two daughters, Amanda and Caitlin.

Bonnie always had a good book within arm’s reach, and her music tastes ranged from The Beatles to Taylor Swift and everything in between. When she wasn’t reading or singing along with the radio, she kept busy with crafting, beadwork, and trying out new recipes. Bonnie loved the color purple, the “Twist and Shout” scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and visits from the neighborhood cats.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Beth; her husband of 51 years, James; and her sister, Brenda.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Amanda Dean of Kansas City, MO, and Caitlin (Jesse Cash) Dean of San Francisco, CA; her siblings, Robert (Sandy) Dunaway of Holdrege, NE, William Dunaway of Colorado Springs, CO, and Rebecca (Steve) of Myrtle Beach, SC; as well as nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bonnie’s memory can be made to the American Library Association to help keep reading free and accessible for all. Visit ec.ala.org/donate/projects to donate online, or mail a donation to 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601.

To share fond memories of Bonnie or leave condolences for her family, visitChurchArcherPasley.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.