Helen Bonnie

Helen Louise Bonnie, 91, of Upper Arlington, passed away on Friday morning, August 16, 2019, at her home. She was the beloved matriarch of the Bonnie family.

Born on June 5, 1928 to Sabinus and Irene Lindsey; Helen was a proud 1946 graduate of Grandview High School - Go Bobcats! - where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She attended the Ohio State University, studied social work and was a member of the fencing team.

She met David McKay Bonnie (OSU football fullback from North High School) on the steps of Derby Hall (a yellow dress and sweet cherries sealed the deal). They were married in December of 1948.

Helen was office manager for Bonnie Built Homes until retirement while raising four children. She was a long time, involved member of the Columbus Free Methodist Church. Helen cherished her many friendships - her Grandview gang, her northwest UA group, her sweet church group.

Helen never met a stranger - our friends were her friends - she had the gift of hospitality, that wonderful ability to make anyone feel that they were a valued part of her “family.” She was funny, and ornery, a woman with a strong, unwavering faith in God and His Son. We have been blessed to call her mom, to be mentored by her love.

Helen is survived by her best friend, Ross Love, and her children:

Linda (Barry) Bonnie Jackson, Sharon Bonnie Judah;

Rebekah (William) Bonnie Gramann, David (Sara) Bonnie

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren:

April (Foster) Jackson Cotthoff, Jackson, Samuel and Evelyn

Justin (Jennifer) Jackson, Ella and River

Whitney (Andrew) Jackson Barchus, Jonathan, June and Jonas

Heather (Daniel) Judah Wood, Judah, Lily and Ethan

Hillary (Graham) Judah Rouse, Lennox, Hadley and Paxton

Holly Judah

Lyndsay David Alsbach

Meredith (John) Gramann Haley

Aaron (Callie) Gramann, Landon and Aurora

Jack Gramann

David (Kate) Bonnie III

Dylan (Marissa) Bonnie

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, David, and her son-in-law, Steve Judah.

We want  to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hospice team from Ohio Health - Betsy and her team generously extended themselves to answer each question, meet every need we encountered during the past year. We are so grateful.

In order to accommodate all of her wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, a service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held Friday, November 29, 2019, at 4:00 pm, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Lytham Road Campus, Mr. Joe Valentino presiding. Contributions to Orphans Promise (orphanspromise.org), may be made in her honor.