Published on February 2, 2026 4:21 pm
Last Updated on February 4, 2026 10:24 am
Yvonne “Bonnie” Marie Bothwell passed away at the age of 98 on February 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She passed the day before her 99th birthday.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 10 at 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville, Iowa. Visitation is from 9 to 10:30am Tuesday at the church.
Bonnie was born on February 3, 1927, to William J. and Mary B. (Casey) Powers. Bonnie was born and raised on the Powers’ family farm just outside of Rockwell City, Iowa. Her time on the farm was a formative experience that instilled a lifelong appreciation and understanding of the hard work that it takes to be an Iowa farmer. She actively managed her family farm until last year.
Bonnie graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1944. She went on to attend trade school in Omaha, Nebraska, earning a degree in business. After completing her education, Bonnie moved to Washington, D.C. at age 18, where she worked in the secretarial pool at the U.S. Treasury Department. She later relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and worked for United Airlines.
Eventually, Bonnie returned to Iowa and accepted a position with Younkers in Fort Dodge. It was during this time that her cousin Pauline introduced her to Robert “Bob” Bothwell at a dance hall— it was love at first sight. Bonnie and Bob were married on October 15, 1949, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rockwell City. Together, they made their forever home in Estherville where they raised their seven children. Once most of her children were grown, Bonnie spent twelve years working part-time at the Iowa Lakes Community College bookstore, a role she especially enjoyed for the opportunity to help students.
Bob and Bonnie were active members of the Estherville community, participating in social clubs and activities which led to many lifelong and cherished friendships. Even after Bob passed in 1995, Bonnie remained extremely active and social. Her calendars (there were several) were always full of trips, family visits, outings with friends, weekly water aerobics, and various exclusive bridge clubs. Bonnie enjoyed being busy.
A woman of deep faith, Bonnie was also actively involved in the Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of America and was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
As a descendant of Irish immigrants, Bonnie was proud of her Irish heritage – visiting Ireland a few times during her life, hosting an annual St. Patrick’s day celebration, and drinking Powers Irish Whiskey. Just last year she was named the “Irish Queen” of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Living a life as long and full as Bonnie, she will be remembered for a variety of different things. You likely know Bonnie as a conversationalist, for her sharp sense of humor, as an avid newspaper reader, or, almost certainly, for her fashion sense. Bonnie took full advantage of her closets, maintaining extensive collections of purses, jackets, gloves, and the like. Her hat collection was even profiled in the local newspaper. Even in the later stages of life, her energy to shop was unmatched. In a methodical process, Bonnie would showcase her feel for various fabrics, touching most things in the store, while taking adequate time to admire just how darling some of the offerings were. She was a loyal and frequent customer of Von Maur Department Store.
In 1950, Bonnie and Bob built their home on North 15th Street. Over the years, this became just as much a café or bed and breakfast for friends, family, and travelers, as it was a family home. Bonnie loved hosting. Her door was always open, coffee was made, and there was usually a baked good available. If you were lucky, it was Bonnie’s famous tea ring, cinnamon bread or buttermilk brownies.
Bonnie’s family is extremely grateful for Mary Kay Donovan, along with Renae Rierson, Tricia West, Brenda Peterson, DeAnna Schnell, and Amy Sherling, for their kind, compassionate and persistent care that allowed Bonnie to remain at her home during her final years. Bonnie’s family would also like to thank Dr. Prabhakaran, the teams at Avera Hospital in Estherville, Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, and Avera Home Hospice for their support and care for Bonnie.
Bonnie is survived by her children: Pat Martin (Dan) of Cummings, GA; Marsha Irelan (Mike) of Kalamazoo, MI; Rob Bothwell (Susie) of Teutopolis, IL; Jim Bothwell (Kim) of Hutchinson, KS; Tom Bothwell (Jill) of Eden Prairie, MN; Mary O’Hearn (Matt) of Ames, IA; and Michelle Beagle (Brandon) of Tucson, AZ; her grandchildren: Christopher Martin, Kyle Martin (Katie Stern), Ivy Whitney, Zach Irelan, Kristie Jackson (Todd), Scott McDevitt (Jackie), Mitchell Bothwell (Erin), Courtney Bothwell (Alex Edwards), Will Bothwell (Hanna), Lindsy Eash, Kelsy Fly (Caeden), Jared Eash (Alexa), Tyler Eash (Amanda), Brooke Bothwell, Natalie Warehime (Shane), Nicole Williams (Riley Snyder), Zach Roede, Regan Beagle and Talon Beagle, along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, brothers, nephews, granddaughter and many dear friends.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, BONNIE REQUESTED MEMORIALS TO AVERA@HOME HOSPICE.