Bonita “Bonnie” Lancaster, 87, of Taylorville passed away at 1:05 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017 at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville. She was born on July 23, 1929 in Mt. Auburn, the daughter of Walter A. and Maggie (Bramel) Butcher. On October 23, 1948, she married William F. Lancaster in Taylorville, and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2016. Bonnie retired from the State of Illinois after 35 years of service, including years working as secretary to Governor and Mrs. Jim Thompson and personal secretary to the clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville. Bonnie taught Sunday School for over 40 years. Bonnie and Bill loved dogs and cared for many over the years. She enjoyed crafts and sewing and was known for her candy making, pie baking, and Swedish meatballs. Bonnie had a wonderful sense of humor.

Bonnie is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews as well as her faithful companions: Marsha and Rhoza. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings: Homer Butcher, Irene Williams, Kenneth Butcher, Earl Butcher, and Derrell Butcher; and brother-in-law: Jim Lancaster.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at McClure Funeral Home with Rev. Gerald McPhillips officiating. Burial will take place at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Christian County Animal Control or Grace Baptist Church. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements. Memories of Bonnie, or condolences to her family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com