Mary Lou Bonnell

April 3, 1934 — April 18, 2016

Retired local restaurant owner, Mary Lou Poor Bonnell, 82, of Winamac, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at her home with her family by her side. 

Mary Lou was born on April 3, 1934, in Winamac, to the late Harry and Geraldine (Trapp) Poor. She was a graduate of Winamac High School. 

On Sept. 10, 1971, she married Paul Bonnell in Monticello. He preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2010. 

Mary Lou and Paul owned and operated Rich’s Cafe as well as South 40 Restaurant and Lounge in Winamac for more than 31 years. Mary Lou and Paul enjoyed mushroom hunting, traveling, and visiting horse tracks and casinos. People will always remember their generosity for hosting the annual mushroom fry at Rich’s. During the Ford Pinto Trial, the Bonnells put up reporters at their own home. Mary Lou and Paul were generous and kind and never knew a stranger. 

Mary Lou was a mother to many. She was always there with an open heart and ear with many words of wisdom. Mary Lou loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. She supported her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all they did and was a true Winamac Warriors fan. 

Mary Lou will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children: Carl [Laura] Ent of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brenda Hadley of Winamac, Edward A. Bonnell of Winamac, David J. Bonnell of Winamac, Tracey [Teena] Bonnell of Kewanna, Toni [Bob] Fahler of Warsaw, and Ace Bonnell of Kewanna; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brothers:  David [Julia] Poor of Williamsport, and Marshall [Judy] Poor of Pulaski; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Geraldine (Trapp) Poor; husband Paul Bonnell; son Bobby Ent; sisters: Eona Jefferies, Norma Steele and Martha Weaver; and brothers: Harry Poor Jr., William Poor and Robert Poor.  

Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Frain Mortuary. Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Frain Mortuary.  Burial took place in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southern Care Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — April 27, 2016)

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

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