Bonnie Lenore Nelson

Bonnie Lenore Nelson (Abbas), age 86, of Raymore, MO peacefully passed away on October 5, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband Victor Nelson, her parents Ralph and Faye, daughters Victoria and Tamara, granddaughter Linsey, and her sister Frances Annabelle.

Bonnie was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Young and beautiful, this is where she fell in love with her tall and handsome soulmate. The two married on February 17, 1951, just before Vic deployed with the Army. Having been born on February 13, plus Valentine’s Day, February was always a very special month for Bonnie – and she never let Vic forget it!

Vic and Bonnie were married for 68 years. While he was serving in Japan, Bonnie kept up with the home, worked at the local drug store, and stayed close with her family and friends. But upon Vic’s return, her focus turned immediately to family. She had three beautiful children: Randy, Vicki and Tammy. From then on – even though she would eventually return to work – family was her life. During countless Thanksgivings, Christmases and birthdays across half a century, you would always find Bonnie in her spotless and festively decorated home, working in the kitchen making her famous dumplings, rolls and frequently requested “porcupines.” Therefore, it is no surprise that she operated a bakery and cake decorating business out of her home. If you ever needed a cake, you called Bonnie.

Bonnie joined her husband and brother-in-law, Don Nelson, in the family-owned printing business Arrow Press. Accompanied by Joann Nelson (her sister-in-law and best friend), the foursome poured their love into their company. When the time came to sell the business and settle down in Raymore, Bonnie would spend the next two decades doting on her grandchildren. To her, every member of her fast-growing family was special. Each member of the family always felt her love. You never left without a kiss goodbye.

In later years, everyone would recall that Bonnie Nelson was one of the strongest and bravest women they knew. Yes, she survived the ‘57 Ruskin tornado – courageously seeking shelter in a flimsy hallway of her brand new home, with her arms around then-toddler Randy and weeks-old Vicki. But Bonnie’s courage and strength was so much more. Throughout lean times, setbacks, destruction, and the deaths of those closest to her, Bonnie did not complain. Instead, she comforted others. She was immediate with her love, quick with her wit, and strong in her convictions. Her gift to this world are the traits of love and compassion that she planted into the character of those around her. She truly was and is an everlasting light.

Bonnie is survived by her sister Marilyn (George) Boyle; son Randy (Rinda) Nelson; grandchildren Valerie (Derek) Mozingo, Thomas Starforth, Jeffrey Starforth, Erika Nelson, Justin (Lauren) Ginter; Stephanie (Aaron) Bronson; Stacey (Joseluis) Resendiz; and Jessica (Christopher) Nichols; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and many other extended family members all over the country. And Toby G – who never left her side (or under her feet).