Bonnie B. (Sparks) Chase 1923-2010

Bonnie went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 26, 2010, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Versailles, MO. Bonnie was born Bonnie Belle Sparks to William Perry and Sarah Alice (Trower) Sparks in Waynesville, MO on March 26, 1923. She was married to Harold E. Williams on February 20, 1948. To this union, two daughters, Connie Kay and Debbie Sue were born. She was married to Earl J. Chase on March 3, 1972.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, two brothers, Don and Leo Sparks and one sisters, Bernadine "Mimi" Sparks.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters: Connie and husband Terry Gardner and Debbie and husband Bob Payton; grandchildren, Sarah Gardner, Shannon Geasley, Paul and wife Jenny Gardner, Chad Payton and Asher and wife Cheryl Gardner and great-grandchildren, Sadie Ervin, Trey Geasley, Millie Gardner and Alex Gardner.

Bonnie led a very full life. While attending high school in Waynesville she was a member of the band, softball, volleyball and debate teams. Before graduating as Salutatorian in 1941 she won the "Girls Humorous Reading" contest held in Warrensburg, MO, April 11, 1940.

After graduating she went to work for Waynesville Security Bank, married Harold and took a leave of absence during the births of her daughters, returning after they were older. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville and was active in the Lord's work. She was a member of Hanson Chapter #22 of the Eastern Star since February 8, 1949, served a term as Worthy Matron and had received her 50 year pin. She also belonged to the Waynesville Womens Extension Club in the 1950's.

Bonnie began working at Bank of Lake of the Ozarks, (now Central Bank), in August of 1963, after she and her family moved to the lake area. She worked as a teller, in bookkeeping, new accounts and as receptionist and was known by many as "Ms. Bank of Lake of the Ozarks". Her co-workers and customers loved her for her caring spirit. She retired in January of 1985.

She was a member of both the Lake and Eldon Beta Sigma Phi and worked with the Salvation Army.

She was a longtime member of Riverview Baptist Church. After retirement she moved her membership to Eldon First Baptist upon moving to Eldon, MO with her husband, Earl. She became an active member there. In 2009 she sold her house and moved into the Lee House in Eldon. She leaves many friends and family to celebrate her life. She was and still is an inspiration to many. She loved her God and left that legacy for her future generations.

Arrangements were under the direction of Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon. All services were at First Baptist Church in Eldon on July 29, 2010. Interment was at the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eldon First Baptist Church Building Fund.