Bonita Louise Townsend Obituary
Bonita Louise was born in Harlan, Kentucky, to John Hampton and Carlie Oneida Osborne on May 26, 1947. She was the middle child of seven children, with three brothers and three sisters. While her mom loved to dress her girls in pretty hand-stitched dresses, Bon was a feisty tom-boy who preferred to play in the dirt and climb trees. To her mom's dismay, Bon regularly returned home with scraped, dirty knees and torn dresses.
In 1969, while working at a plastics factory in suburban Detroit, her short red hair and freckles caught the eye of a handsome (and cocky) catering truck driver. When Bon asked him, "What's the best thing on this truck?", he replied, "You're looking at it!". Their fates were sealed when she quipped back, "No thanks. I don't want any.". On March 14, 1970, Ed and Bon were married, welcoming a daughter, Joy, and son, Jim, in quick succession.
Bon was a fabulous home cook and baker, who loved testing out and sharing her favorite recipes. Every celebration in her home was enjoyed with a delicious meal and decadent desserts. No one left hungry, and there were always enough leftovers to be shared and enjoyed the following day.
Bon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1993, shortly before welcoming her first granddaughter into this world. She bravely fought this devastating illness for more than 30 years, refusing to let it steal her spirit. Sadly, on February 11, 2025, with loving family by her side, the disease won the battle. However, her fighting spirit will shine on through the many family, friends, and loved ones who will never forget to honor this brave and strong woman.
Bon leaves behind: Ed, her husband of nearly 55 years; daughter Joy (and Eric) Wagner; son Jim (and Angie) Townsend; grandchildren Carleigh (and Brad) Stroh, Zane Wagner, Quin (and Tiffany) Townsend, Christina Townsend (and Dan McDonald), Gabby Townsend, and Nate Townsend; great-grandchildren Bonnie McDonald, Clayton Townsend, and Elianna Stroh; brothers Butch (and Joyce) Osborne, John (and Marie) Osborne, Del (and Deb) Osborne; sister Mary (and Ray) Rickett; and many, much loved, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Toni & Trish House in Auburn, Michigan, where Bon was lovingly cared for by the staff and many volunteers during her final days: toniandtrishhouse.org.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home – Standish Chapel, 2:00pm – 4:00pm and following at the American Legion, Standish, 4:00pm – 8:00pm.