Betty Jean Bonham

Betty Jean Bonham, nee Broadwater, 93, of Millstadt, IL, passed away on Saturday August 17, 2024, in St. Louis, MO. Betty was born on April 10, 1931, in Pfeiffer, AR to John R. and Mabel F. (Hodge) Broadwater and her parents precede her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Linus D. Bonham, her five brothers, two sisters and her in-laws, Linus C. and Clara (James) Bonham.

Betty grew up in Pfeiffer, AR and the family later relocated to Batesville, AR. She graduated high school in 1950 and married her beloved Linus shortly afterward and they started a family. Linus proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and the family was assigned to bases all over the world as the years went on. The family’s last post was at Scott Air Force Base, and they retired to Belleville, IL.

Travel back to Arkansas to visit family was something Betty looked forward to. She was very active at home and enjoyed bowling, taking long walks, working on puzzles, word searches and in her later years, she enjoyed spending time at the Millstadt Senior Center having lunch and playing Bingo. She also loved to treasure hunt at area yard sales. Family was central to Betty’s life and the time she spent with her loved ones brought her the most joy. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and thoroughly enjoyed raising her children. She is remembered as saying that she was very proud of her children and that she lived a happy life. Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Vickie Huffman of Millstadt, IL, Debbie (the late Terry) May also of Millstadt, IL and Larry (Melanie) Bonham of St. Charles, MO; her honorary daughter, Kimmy (Nick) Dickhaut of Mascoutah, IL; her sisters, Barbara Ann (the late Lynn) Barber of Little Rock, AR, Edith (the late Durwood) Elms of Batesville, AR, her brother-in-law, Roland (the late Patsy) Bonham of Bartlett, TN, her sister-in-law, Carolyn Sue Strother of Anna, TX; her grandchildren: Jonathan (Erica) Malacarne of Buffalo Grove, IL, Jason Malacarne of Millstadt, IL, Julia (Jon) Bonham-Hardy of Columbia, MO, Daniel (Mariana) Bonham of Milwaukie, OR; her great-grandchildren: Ellery Bonham-Hardy, Hazel Bonham-Hardy, Carina Malacarne, Isla Malacarne, Logan Malacarne, Lorenzo Bonham in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 27, 2024 at Hoffen Funeral Home, 220 W. Washington St. Millstadt, IL from 9:00am-11:00am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am with Rev. Larry Ridenour, presiding. Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to be made in Betty’s memory to the Millstadt Senior Center, 102 S. Jefferson St., Millstadt, IL 62260-donations will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed directly to the Senior Center.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.