Bonnie Kegley Obituary

Bonnie R. Kegley (née Pearson)
Died: March 26, 2022
Bonnie R. Kegley (née Pearson) of Lincoln, MA (formerly New Lenox and Homer Glen, IL, and Saugatuck, MI). Born in Joliet, IL in 1942 to Harold and Winifred "Winnie" Pearson. Bonnie passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022 after having recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert W. Kegley, Sr. of Henderson, NV; her son Rob (Kimberly) Kegley of Douglas, MI; daughter Amy Kegley (Michael Gaudet) of Lexington, MA; sister Susan (William) Hopkins of New Lenox, IL: nieces Megan Hopkins (Frank Brotan) and Katherine Hopkins (Randy Rosado) and their son Benjamin Rosado; grandchildren Bobby Kegley (Jessica Traynor) of Livermore, CA and Audrey and Spencer Heim, and their father Stephen Heim, all of Lexington, MA.
Bonnie began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Cherry Hill where eight grades were taught together. She attended Joliet Township High School and later Illinois State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Bonnie taught elementary school for a few years, and later played an important role in the development of her husband's rapidly growing business, Columbian Insurance Agency. Bonnie enjoyed being a member of the founding group of Empress Riverboat Casinos of Joliet, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana. Bonnie's ship came in and those were fun years for all involved.
One of Bonnie's favorite places was Saugatuck, MI, which she visited every summer of her life. She loved her cottage on Lake Michigan, enjoying a favorite cocktail while watching the sun set. She greatly enjoyed traveling, visiting Europe, the Middle East, and many other places. She had a great sense of humor, and loved to dance at any opportunity.
Bonnie's other interests were crossword puzzles, reading, listening to music (everything from classical to classic rock; "Old Time Rock n Roll" will forever be her signature song), dancing, and playing the piano. She loved to garden, attaining certification as a Master Gardener. She also enjoyed everything British, from afternoon tea and scones, to every British mystery show ever produced.
It was Bonnie's passion for Saddlebred horses that brought her the most joy. Over the years Bonnie proudly rode and owned many beautiful horses, but reserved a special place for Sparky and "Sir" Hank. Tom Thorpe and Bob Griffin at Northern Tradition Farm and her dear friend Kelly Williamson were essentially her second family. Their friendship was remarkable and stories from the numerous horse shows were always entertaining, especially those from the World Championships in Louisville, KY.
An amazingly patient and unconditionally supportive grandmother, Bonnie thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Bobby, Audrey and Spencer. Whether it was skiing, horseback riding, parasailing or playing on the beach, spending quality time with her grandchildren was a priority. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, and especially by her grandchildren. Happy trails to you, Bonnie. Rest In Peace.
Please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the Saddlebred Rescue Fund (saddlebredrescue.com).
A memorial service was held in Lexington, MA.