Bonita Esau, 84, went to be with Jesus on June 15, 2024, while at her home in Newton, Kansas. She was born on February 13, 1940, in Walnut, Kansas, to Jasper Leo and Lola (Balla) Dougan.
During her early elementary years her family moved from Walnut to Dodge City, Kansas, eventually moving to Newton where she graduated from Newton High School.
On January 31, 1958, she married Merlin Esau in Newton, Kansas. They celebrated 66 years of marriage this year.
She was a member of Bible Baptist Church and later Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton. She was involved in many activities and ministries but supporting missions and missionaries was especially close to her heart.
Bonita was an outgoing person who loved to be around her friends and family and serve where she could. Above all else she loved creating a happy home for her husband and three children.
Over the years she held several jobs in the community, working as a medical office receptionist, administrative secretary at the former Youthville, and opening a gift shop and balloon bouquet store.
She is survived by her husband, Merlin; son Gary (Karen) Esau; daughters Deborah (Bill) Chase, and Karen (Mark) Ward; sisters Mary Ann Massengill and Lois (Larry) McLain.
She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Bonita is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Earleen Dougan; and her brother Ronald Dougan.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 21, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 21, 2024, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton with Pastor Austin Reser presiding.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Pregnancy Care Center and left with the funeral home.