Bonnie Jean Basham, 93, of Woonsocket, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019, in Woonsocket.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 15, at 1 p.m. at the Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket. Burial was in Eventide Cemetery. Rev. Jim Lindekugel and Rev. Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell officiated. Visitations were held at Basham Funeral Services in Woonsocket on Tuesday, May 14, and one hour prior to service at the church on Wednesday. The services were closed casket per her request. Arrangements were by Basham Funeral Service.

Bonnie was born in Spencer on July 26, 1925, the youngest of seven children to Marie and George H. Lindekugel. Her older siblings were Neva, Hazel, Willis, Olive, George Jr., and Marnell. As a young girl growing up in Spencer, she enjoyed caring for her horse, Dolly. A family dog was also her constant companion, and she continued to enjoy the love of a “puppy” the rest of her life.

Bonnie graduated from Spencer High School in 1942, followed by training at the University of Minnesota to become a medical technician. She married Lt. Sylfest L. Olson, of Colton, in Omaha, Neb., shortly before his deployment to Europe to fly a bomber during World War II. During their 25 years of marriage as a family in the U.S. Air Force, their four children, Nan, Kim, Scott, and Marc, were raised, and they lived in places such as Panama, Japan and locations throughout the United States.

Bonnie relocated back to Mitchell in 1969 to be near her parents and other family with her two young sons; Nan was married, and Kim was in college. She began a new life as Mrs. George Millen, who owned the Mitchell Abstract Company. They became “snowbirds” with a home in Mesa, Ariz., during the winter months for several years prior to George’s death.

Over the years, Bonnie became an accomplished golfer. It was on a golf course that she began a friendship and fell in love with Walter Basham, of Woonsocket and the owner of Basham Funeral Services. They were married in 1978 at the Lutheran church in Spencer. They lived in Mesa, Ariz., during the winter months, had a home in Rapid City for 10 years, but always kept a home in Woonsocket. Walter and Bonnie were married for 25 years before he passed away in 2003.

Bonnie enjoyed entertaining, cooking, playing cards and golfing. She loved good clothes, purses and shoes. 

Family was Bonnie’s biggest joy. The passing of her daughter, Kim Collis, in 2017 to cancer was her greatest sorrow.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Nan (Steve) Larson, Scott (Tina) Olson and Marc (Katy) Olson; son-in-law, Tony Collis; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.