Obituary: Bonita ‘Bonnie’ Wheaton, 76, formerly of Scottville.

Bonnie Wheaton

Obituary: Bonita ‘Bonnie’ Wheaton, 76, formerly of Scottville.

Bonnie was born on September 13, 1948, in Ludington, the daughter of Harry and Martha (White) Paulsen and graduated from Mason County Central High School in 1967.  She then attended Michigan State University and later attended John A. Logan College, earning her certificate in ASL. Bonnie also attended Southern Illinois University, where she earned her master’s degree in family studies. She worked as a sign language interpreter, teacher and with the elderly before retiring. She was married in 1969 and together they had six children.

Bonnie was an exceptional mother and grandmother. She was a foster parent for many years, having more than 30 foster children and was an honorary mother to many, loving any child that came through her door. She was also an amazing cook and seamstress, making countless wedding and formal dresses for family and friends. Bonnie was a loving devoted friend and an avid fan of gospel music, especially the Booth Brothers and the Rebels Quartet, who were longtime family friends.

Bonnie will be greatly missed by her children, Darla Wheaton Barnes, Marshall (Missy) Wheaton, Dana (Travis) Leapley, Diana (Rich) Isaacs and Matthew Wheaton; daughter-in-law Debbie Wheaton; son-in-law Steven Barnes; 11 grandchildren Austin Wheaton, Jimmy Carder, Tyler, Trevor and Alyssa Leapley, Sedona, Kayce and Bradley Isaacs, Samantha Potter, Elizabeth (Aaron) Chesling, Mitchell (Chloe) Wheaton, Joshua (Gabriela) Wheaton; seven great-grandchildren; sister Ellen Chisholm; brothers Ed (Faith) Paulsen and Mark (Rae Ann) Paulsen; and, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her twin sister Donna; parents; son Nicholas Wheaton; Aunt Mary; brother-in-law John Chisholm; sister-in-law Betty Paulsen; and, nephew Justin Paulsen.

A Memorial Service will be held for Bonnie at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville.  Friends may meet with her family at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. and following the service.  Bonnie will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery alongside her twin sister Donna and her family.