Published on January 30, 2026 4:31 pm
Last Updated on January 30, 2026 4:31 pm
Bonnie M. Byers, age 90, of Bible Grove passed away peacefully at 12:15 am Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois with her loving daughters by her side.
Bonnie was born on November12, 1935, in Texas County, Missouri, the daughter of Harold Benhart and Etha Faye (Vestal) Kessler. Bonnie and Jack Hanson had four children from their marriage, then later in life Bonnie married Dale Byers on December 30, 1985, in Missouri, and then he preceded her in death on December 31, 2017.
Throughout her career, Bonnie distinguished herself as an exceptional operating room surgical technician. She devoted many years of her working life to this vital role, with her most recent position at Salem Township Hospital. Her commitment to patient care and teamwork was exemplary, and she later lent her expertise to Dr. Craig Andrews’ eye office before retiring. Bonnie’s colleagues respected her not only for her skills but also for her compassionate nature.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bonnie filled her life with creativity and cultivation. An avid flower grower, she nurtured bountiful gardens boasting a stunning variety of flowers in vibrant colors. Her talent and love for nature extended beyond flowers; she had a knack for making wreaths and pinecone creations that were cherished gifts for family and friends. Notably, Bonnie also enjoyed tending a large vegetable garden, diligently canning her harvest to provide fresh produce throughout the year.
In her later years, Bonnie and her husband Dale embraced the joy of travel, often spending their winters in Florida, where she found inspiration and relaxation amidst the sun and sand. A long-time member of the Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle Church in Iola, Bonnie’s faith was an integral part of her life, guiding her actions and interactions with those around her.
Bonnie is survived by her children: Joan (Ed) Lewis of Bible Grove, Linda (Roger) Eaton of Windsor, Illinois, Scott (Jodi) Hanson of Mattoon, Illinois; 9 grandchildren: Jamie Lewis, Eric (Jami) Lewis, Quentin (Haley) Hanson, Colton (Katie) Hanson, Leah (Cameron) Hanson, Destiny Giles, Dakoda Hanson, Tanner Hanson, Spencer (Aleah) Hanson; 14 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law: Faith Broadway of Carmi, Illinois; sister: Lynette (Jesse) Bonham of Xenia; sister-in-law: Carolyn Kessler of Xenia; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Dale, Bonnie was also preceded in death by her parents; a son: Stuart Hanson; a brother: Keith Kessler.
Funeral services to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Spencer Hanson and Brother Craig Fritchley officiating. Burial will follow at the Oskaloosa Cemetery, Xenia. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bonnie’s memory to the Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.
McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Bonnie, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.