Bonnie Barnette Larson

Bonnie Barnette Larson, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away Thursday morning, August 25, 2011, in Golden Living Center - Fountainview, Mishawaka.

Bonnie was born December 27, 1929 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Oral “Sam” and Lola May (Steward) Robinson. She grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1947.

Bonnie graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 becoming a Registered Nurse. She was a public health nurse with the St. Joseph County Health Department and also worked for Dr. Gehrig in Mishawaka.

Bonnie was a proud long-time member and served as a counselor for Alcoholics Anonymous. She was also the Director of Phoenix House and also served there as a drug and alcohol counselor.

Bonnie enjoyed arts and crafts, collecting antiques, bird watching and feeding, flower gardening and she loved animals.

Bonnie married James P. Barnette in 1951 and he passed away in 1970. She married Al Larson in 1971 and he passed away in 1980. Bonnie was also preceded in death by her sister, Norma Phelps in 2002.

Bonnie’s surviving family includes her five children, Brenda (Chris) Leniski of Mishawaka, Bruce (Teri) Barnette of Fort Wayne, Brad (Paula) Barnette of Mishawaka, Beth Ann Barnette of Portage and Barbara (Rich) Gilmartin of Elkhart, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Friends spent time with Bonnie’s family Monday, August 29, from 12 noon - 2 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Services were held Monday at 2 pm in the funeral home. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Contributions in Bonnie’s memory are suggested to the Center for Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.