Bonnie passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2024, in Austin, surrounded by her children. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 10 at Blanco Methodist Church.

She received a bachelor’s degree from North Texas State, where, while serving on student council, she met James Ashley, a Louisiana boy! Their first date was to see the Harlem Globetrotters. Their wedding in 1952 was the very first to be held in the new Methodist Church in Monahans, Texas. They were married for 58 years.

Bonnie and Jim had four children: James (Shelly); Michael (Donna); Eric (Jackie); and Elise (Joel Walker) and previously (Jeff Wright). They also had 12 grandchildren: Aubree Layton (Patrick); West Ashley (Paige); Joshua Ashley (Katie); Rachael Ashley (Will); Emily Ashley (Hayden): Jacob Ashley (Allie); Chandler Ashley; Garrett Wright (Amy); Cody Wright (Jessica); Hunter Wright (Kalie) ; Justin Wright (Brooke); and Hannah Walker (Kenny) and 17 ½ great grandchildren: James Layton, Avery Layton, Brendan Layton, Grace Layton, Hayden Ashley, Brock Ashley, Austin Ashley, Johnny Ashley, Annie Ashley, Sutton Wright; Aiya Wright; Dean Baker; Clara Wright; Charlotte Wright; Reese Walker; Jaxson Jouett; and Kennedy Jouett; and baby Wright due in April.

Bonnie and Jim moved often, as he was frequently promoted with Southwestern Bell. They lived in Arlington, Dallas, Denton, Denison, Lubbock, Abilene, Topeka, St. Louis and San Antonio. They finally settled in Blanco, their home for many years.

When Jim became ill with dementia, they moved to Kerrville to live near Eric and Jackie. In his final years, Jim resided at the VA Hospital, where Bonnie’s daily presence brightened the day of many veterans. She devoted her life to visiting and caring for him daily until Jim passed in 2010. Bonnie later married a high school friend, and moved back to Monahans. She was so happy to be back in Monahans, where she had so many heartfelt memories. Later she returned to live in Blanco with Mike and Donna. Her last three years were spent living with Elise and Joel in Dripping Springs, with Jimmie, Shelly, Mike and Donna assisting often.

Bonnie was very proud of her family heritage. In 1901 her grandparents, Houston and Carrie Monteith and their family of 10, floated down the Mississippi River from Ohio, to Monroe, Louisiana on a houseboat Houston built named “The Welcome.”

Bonnie grew up in numerous towns throughout Louisiana and Texas. While living in New London, Texas in 1937, her father assisted after the infamous explosion at a school. In Kilgore, Texas, her father took the family to witness an oil well blow. He was covered with oil and smiling from ear to ear. When a tornado hit Mooringsport, Louisiana, a neighbor yelled to run for your lives. Her mother grabbed Bonnie and Ted’s hands and they ran to the safety of large trees on the high bank of Caddo Lake, where she witnessed their two story house spinning in the air and landing halfway in the street. A treasured punch bowl survived, landing undamaged in the yard, and the chicken coop was untouched. In Wickett, Bonnie was misdiagnosed with leukemia. The illness, which later turned out to be mono, caused her to miss a year of school, but allowed her to drive at an early age. In Monahans, she was part of the state champion Lobo Marching Band her senior year.

Bonnie was a devoted and steadfast wife and mother. She spoke with her beloved niece Annie almost every night! Bonnie was instrumental in establishing the Good Samaritan thrift shop in Blanco. Her legacy of kindness, generosity and graciousness continues. She was a lady, had a rare beauty, and was a true southern belle. She never met a stranger and was known for welcoming and feeding anyone that entered her home, including strays. She absolutely loved to paint anything, anytime, anywhere. She loved to mow, sit in the sun, nap, hold any pet available (especially Rufus), and be entertained by her grandkids.

Granny’s home was always full of numerous grandkids, running around like wild Indians, playing in the river, riding horses, building forts, driving Papa’s suburban, watching TV, eating lemon drops and peppermints, and, after a home cooked meal, settling in for the night on a pallet on the floor. Granny had a special whistle to call the kids in for dinner - the same whistle she used to talk to birds.

Bonnie was truly a woman of faith, having attended the last Billy Graham Crusade in New Orleans in 2006. At the age of 74, along with brother-in-law David Leblanc, wife, Camille, and daughter, Annie, she walked forth and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior that night, “just to make sure!”

She always lit up the room! Many thanks and blessings to the staff of Hill Country Rehab in Dripping Springs. Memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Center, a thrift shop located at 607 Chandler St., Blanco, TX. 78606. (blancogoodsam.org).