Bonnie Mae (Swindaman) Burnette, 95, passed away at Hospice House in Hutchinson on April 25, 2021. She was born Feb. 5, 1926, at the family home near Nankin, Ohio.
She graduated from Howard (KS) High School in 1944 and attended Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia) before accepting a position teaching 4th and then 3rd grade at Coldwater (KS) Elementary School.
She married Burke Burnette in 1948, and their daughter Michaelyn was born in 1949. After a divorce, Bonnie and her daughter moved to Hutchinson, where Bonnie attended Adela Hale Business School. Bonnie worked for many years in the Industrial Engineering Department at Cessna.
She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing the piano, and drinking coffee while talking with friends. She made Christmas very special with festive decorations and delicious meals; her sugar cookies will be much missed. She enjoyed playing with children; her face would light up when holding a baby or interacting with a child. She was always generous with help and forthright advice.
She was preceded in death by her parents W. C. Swindaman and Mildred (Tucker) Swindaman, brothers William, Robert and Dick Swindaman and sister Betty Morr.
She is survived by her daughter Michaelyn Burnette, son-in-law Terry Tierney, grandson John Tierney, and nieces and nephews including Joyce Telakaowiz, Beverley Ebenshade, Connie Johnston, Bill and Bob Swindaman, Pat Swindaman, Lisa Thomison Ballout along with numerous great nieces and nephews.
Burial will be in Nankin (Orange) Cemetary, where she will rest by her parents.
Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, at Elliott Mortuary.
Friends wishing to honor Bonnie are invited to make a donation in her name to the American Diabetes Association or Hospice House, Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Also take time to remember special moments with her and have a sugar cookie.