Services
Obituary
Bonita “Bonnie” E. Christians, age 85, of Klemme, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016, at the Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.
There will be a Celebration of Bonnie’s Life on Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme. This open house will be a time for family and friends to share their stories.
Bonita Esther, daughter of Joseph and Esther Hetland Hopley, was born on Aug. 22, 1930, in Thornton, Iowa. She grew up in the Thornton area. Bonnie attended school and graduated from Thornton High School.
On June 27, 1948, she was united into marriage with Clarence Christians. They made their home around the Klemme area. Bonnie worked as a farm wife and helped Clarence with the farm. Later, she was employed by Concord Manor in Garner and Farm and Home Publishing in Belmond. The couple was blessed with six children: Sue, Vickie, Thomas, Timothy, Robbyn, and Travis.
Bonnie always dreamed of becoming a children’s book author. She wrote many stories and even had a book published. She loved to crochet and paint with acrylic paints. She had a passion for reading, especially historical novels. She enjoyed her collection of dolls and clocks.
Bonnie is survived by her six children: Sue (Gary) Renenger, Vickie (Thomas) Hollis, Tom (Rita) Christians, Tim (Marisa) Christians, Robbyn Christians, Travis (Sara) Christians; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mari (James) Jackson, a brother, Douglas (Regina) Hopley, and sister-in-law, Donna (Bill) Hopley; numerous nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Clarence; her parents, Joe and Esther Hopley; and older brother Bill.