Bonnie L. Kerley

Bonnie L. Kerley answered God's call to depart this life for her eternal life on April 19th, 2021 at 1:55 AM with her daughter at her side. Born Bonnie Louise Casey on December 2, 1936, Bonnie was the eldest of two daughters born to Johnnie H. and Helen M. Casey. Bonnie grew up in rural Vienna, IL. She attended Vienna High School. Immediately after high school Bonnie married her High School Sweetheart, Guy B. Simmons. Shortly after marrying they relocated to Northwest Indiana. During their marriage they were blessed with three children, one daughter and two sons. After raising her children, Bonnie returned home to Southern Illinois. In her pursuit of happiness Bonnie went back to school for nursing. Bonnie's dreams were realized when she became a licensed practical nurse and married the man of her dreams, Bassie Ray ( B.R.) Kerley. Bonnie enjoyed nursing and caring for others until a stroke prevented her from continuing her career. After the untimely end of her career, Bonnie found joy spending time with her husband, her children, and her many grandchildren. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Helen, her husband, B.R. Kerley, her sons, Jon Ricky Simmons and Guy Michael Simmons, her son-in-law Donald Novakovich and a nephew she loved like another son, James A. (Jimmy) Parker. Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Cathy Novakovich, her sister Mary-Alice (Jim) Parker, fifteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins, other family, and friends from all walks of life. Bonnie will be remembered for her faith, her kind heart, her generosity, her love of gardening, and her avid love of the outdoors. Bonnie could out-fish the best of fishermen and would not tell anyone her secret of how. She was a great cook, if you were lucky enough to drop in to visit around dinner time Bonnie would not hesitate to set a place at the table for you, most of the time without asking, if you were there, you were eating! A graveside service honoring the life of Bonnie Kerley will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, April 21, 2021, at 1 PM at Rock Springs Cemetery, north of Simpson, Illinois. Pastor Gary Simmons will officiate. Interment will follow. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 12:45 PM Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Cemetery Fund, c/o Roy Kerley, 8335 IL State Route 147, Simpson, Illinois 62985.

Bonnie L. Kerley

December 2, 1936 - April 19, 2021