Bonnie Marie (Keenan) Hess, 76, Lincoln, entered into eternal rest on Monday (1-31-11). She was born (1-11-35) in a boxcar on an acreage just north of Fairbury, Nebraska to William J. and Irene Lucy (Gibson) Keenan.
Her family always liked to tease her about that but back then children were born at home. Bonnie attended St. Michael’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Fairbury High School in 1953. On June 20, 1955, she was united in marriage to Gary R. Hess and to this union two children were born: Teri Kay and Mark R. The family lived and worked in Mahaska, Kansas for 25 years where they owned and operated a propane gas business, After the business was sold, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Bonnie worked in the accounting department for the UNL Public Television Department for many years until retirement.
Bonnie was a caring wife, mother and grandmother to her family and took special pride in their many accomplishments. She was very involved with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #3 where she served as an officer in various capacities throughout her 50 + years of dedicated service. She was also a member of Eight & Forty Legion Auxiliary Salon 832 and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary #131. Bonnie enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends on frequent trips throughout the US and experiencing life to its fullest. She loved spending time with her family and friends and will leave many special memories. Bonnie enjoyed many activities including dancing with her husband, playing cards, board games and doing crossword puzzles and she especially loved to read. Bonnie loved music and in earlier years, she played the organ for church services and piano for high school chorus. In later years, she said she played for her own amusement. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by daughter and spouse Teri Kay and Steve Shaw, Tucson, AZ; son, Mark Hess, Shawnee, KS; granddaughters, Amy Hess Fagan, Timi Ann Hess, all of Lincoln, NE; nieces, JoAnn Beu and Mary Hess; nephew and spouse, Roger and Cheryl Bailey, all of Fairbury, NE and many cousins. Preceded in death by her husband Gary, parents, sister, Jean Bailey and brother, William (Bill) Keenan.
Rosary: 6:00 p.m. Thursday (2-3-11) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Friday (2-4-11) St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6126 Morrill. Monsignor David Hintz officiating.
Visitation: Family will greet friends from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 .p.m. Thursday, funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 3 to be used for veterans families or family choice such as the Heart Fund.