Bonita (Bonny) Franklin went to meet the Lord on May 17th 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield surrounded by family.
Bonny and twin sister Becky were born March 20, 1944 in Taylorville to parents Clement and Helen Leinen. She was raised on their farm and attended school in Pawnee. Bonny received a degree in specialized education at Illinois State University in1966. She taught for 33 years for MidState Special Education. She had an awarding career launching new ideas and concepts in the special education field. She was awarded by the school and students loved her. Bonny was also co-owner and teacher of Tiny Tepee Nursery School in Pawnee.
Bonny and Husband G. Alan Franklin were married on Aug 10th 1968, and celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were a team – teachers, dancing partners and travelers traveling across the U.S and Europe. They lived on the Leinen Centennial Farm in Christian County all of their married life. They were proud parents of Alana Sue Franklin and Alison (Ryan) Jacobs and second mother to Elizabeth Pleshe. She boasted of attending so many school activities and then later school actives for her beloved grandchildren Meana and Mason Jacobs.
Bonny was active member of Morrisonville Methodist Church and focused on the Children’s programs. She was a red Hat Lady, and Member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Eastern Star. She volunteered for Kumler food pantry in Springfield. Bonny enjoyed gardening and tending to her beloved flowers. A special time was in the fall when she and Alan would drink coffee on the porch swing and watch the thousands of monarch butterflies who chose her yard as a resting place on their migration south. She was an animal lover and held a special place in her heart for her pets. Bonny was the matriarch of the Leinen Family. She will be sadly missed for her lavish holiday dinners, reunions and parties.
Private family graveside service will be held at a future time at Morrisonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kumler Food Pantry and Humane society.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Bonnie, or condolences to the family, can be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
