Bonnie Louise (Widel) Rapp

Bonnie Louise (Widel) Rapp, 89, of Boonville, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on August 6, 2022. Bonnie was born east of Blackwater, Missouri on the ‘Widel Lake’ farm on September 5, 1932 to Philip and Octa Caton Widel. In 1933, the family moved southwest of Blackwater to the ‘Cotton Patch’ area near the Ridge Prairie Community. Bonnie attended her first five grades at Cotton Patch before moving to Blackwater, where she attended the other three years of grade school. She attended Pilot Grove High School and graduated in 1950. She married a fellow classmate, Walter Lawrence Rapp, on March 2, 1951. They celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Previously, Bonnie worked as the city clerk in Blackwater for 25 years before her retirement in 2009. She took great pleasure in playing cards and various games with family and friends. Bonnie also loved painting, gardening, reading, writing, and spending time outdoors (especially to hunt morel mushrooms). She had an unmistakable fondness for wildlife, particularly birds and cats. Her knowledge of plants and flowers was unparalleled by anyone else in the family. Bonnie was an extremely talented artist and never ceased to amaze those who were lucky enough to receive one of her wonderful paintings.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Janet Rapp Shipman, son, Jerry (Debra), grandchildren, Rob (Jesse) Shipman, Tim (Nikkita) Shipman, Mallory (Grant) Jamison, Brooks (Hadley) Rapp, Jenna Rapp, Austin Rapp, and great-grandchildren Dillon Rapp, Eleanor Jamison, Serenity Shipman, and Qynn Rapp. Preceding her in death are her parents, son, Darrell, son-in-law, Jim Shipman, brother, Forest (Marie) Widel, sister, Elsie (Gerald) Price, and sister, Nettie (George J.) Becker.

Visitation will be held at Howard Funeral Home in Boonville on Wednesday, August 10th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with the funeral service starting at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Pilot Grove City Cemetery. 

Donations may be made to the family for a memorial bench in Blackwater or to the donor’s choice.

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