Bonnie McHugh

BONNIE MCHUGH

Elkader

Bonnie McHugh of Elkader died Jan. 29, 2016, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader, leaving behind many bereaved friends and family members.

Bonnie was born in Eldora, Iowa, on Dec. 16, 1944, to Vernon and Arlene (Marken) Kinsinger. Bonnie grew up on a farm outside Grundy Center and later obtained her bachelor's degree in family and consumer science from Iowa State University. She married Bill McHugh in 1967, and they lived and taught in Colfax before moving to Elkader, where they spent the last 42 of their almost 49 years together.

During those years, Bonnie raised two daughters, Chanda McHugh and Karisa (Nehru) Cheddie, and was instrumental in starting a preschool program and building a strong Girl Scouts community. She also spent many days as a substitute teacher around the area. In 1997, she went back to full-time work in Lansing, where her passion for teaching was reignited for five years by her fantastic students, many of whom she maintained contact with over the years.

After retiring, Bonnie filled her time with her greatest passions – travel, friends and family. She spent her winters in Zapata, Texas, enjoying the sun and the company. Back at home she volunteered at the golf course and played cards with a very special group of friends. She also traveled extensively with Bill, with her extended family and with her friends, and was always finding (or creating) amazing memories! But all this was surpassed by the joy she got from and gave to her three granddaughters, Kalini and Naliya Cheddie and Markin McHugh.

Memorials may be sent to Central Community Hospital or Elkader Public Library.

Funeral services: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. Visitation: 11 a.m. until service time, also at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. Burial: East Side Cemetery, Elkader.

Leonard Funeral Home & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com.