Bonnie Hester

Bonnie was born on November 19, 1947, in Springfield, the daughter of William Roy and Margaret Dolores Page Smith. She married William “Bill” Hester on July 13, 1968, in Springfield.

Bonnie was a graduate of Athens High School and Western IL University. As someone who loved children, she worked as a teacher and librarian, then owned and operated Prairie Capital Daycare. Following that, she was a Case Manager for the Southern IL Visiting Nurses Association. Bonnie loved to sing, loved animals, and most of all, loved her family. She enjoyed reading, ice skating, gymnastics, and volunteering for Senior Services.

She was preceded in death by parents; two brothers, Mark Smith and James Wilson Smith; two sisters, Sharon Lee and Terra Lynn Smith; and nephew, Troy Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Hester of O’Fallon; one daughter, Amy Hester of O’Fallon; siblings, Janet (husband, Jim) Gille of Springfield; Lance (wife, Jane) Smith of Petersburg, Julie (Joe Schripsema) Smith of Bradley, IL, and Danny (wife, Brenda) Smith of Cantrall, IL; nieces and nephews, Theresa (husband, Greg) Pearce, Melissa, Aaron, Derrick, and Kaitlin Smith, Jennifer Hampton, William Hampton, Tara Hester, Jeri Hester-Markle, and Robert Gibson; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Julie Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. For this wishing to stream the ceremony, you may do so by visiting here.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics of Illinois Area 17, 900 Christopher Lane, Suite 7, Springfield, IL 62712.