Bonnie Mae (O'Brien) Mellema

Bonnie was born October 6, 1935, in Traverse City, MI to Jerry and Leona (O'Brien) Vrany. In 1942, after both of her parents died of tuberculosis, Bonnie and her brother Jerry were adopted by her aunt and uncle, Julius Joseph and Dorothy T. (Kohler) O'Brien. Bonnie spent her childhood in Sutton's Bay where she would spend many summer days picking cherries at the Kohler cherry farm with her brother and cousins, and her mom, Dorothy, as the "strawboss". She loved being close to all of her "aunties" and uncles and she said she was so lucky to have her new loving mom and dad and three sets of grandparents. Her family later moved to East Jordan, and during high school, Bonnie was diagnosed with tuberculosis and spent 18 months in the hospital. After being released with a "clean bill of health", she graduated from East Jordan High School and then earned her Executive Secretarial Degree from Davenport College. While attending Davenport in Grand Rapids she met Ivan "Ike" Mellema on a blind date (set up by Vern DeYoung) and they were married a year later at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Jordan, Michigan on February 9, 1957. Their first daughter, Debbie, was born 9 months later on November 27, 1957. They lived in Grand Rapids for two years before moving to Battle Creek because of Ike's new business, EPI, that he started with Vern. Bonnie and Ike loved having fun! They loved dancing, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with many close friends. They were also very active in their St. Jerome parish community. In 1971, the family moved to Gull Lake where Bonnie and Ike raised their children, Debbie, Michael, Robert, and Julie. They became an integral part of Willow Beach and they enjoyed many boat cruises, Lady Gull Diva parties, MSU tailgates and summer fun on the beach. As the children grew older, Bonnie took a position as the school secretary for Gull Lake Middle School and worked for ten years before retiring. She loved her job and all of the students loved her. She always had a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye for everyone.

Bonnie was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and she thanked God daily for all of her blessings. She loved being around people and the feeling was mutual. The "front door" was always open (literally) for all to stop over. She loved playing Bridge with her life-long friends and family and her Battle Creek Social Bridge Club. She cherished her nightly "sunsets" on Gull Lake with neighbors, and anyone else who would join them, as all were welcome. She had an "infectious" smile and a warm laugh. More than anything, Bonnie loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged them and cheered them on in all of their activities. She was the family planner for vacations, holidays, and birthdays. The house was always decorated for the appropriate season especially Christmas and Halloween and Bonnie would join in with her holiday sweaters. She was extremely close with her mom, Dorothy, who passed away this February. Bonnie felt blessed to have had so many wonderful years with her mother in such good health. Her mother said that "her Bonnie" was a gift given to her by God. Despite Bonnie's on-going struggle with severe arthritis and polymyalgia, she always wore a smile and had a positive outlook on life. She touched many hearts with her caring words, open arms and generous spirit. She was a very special lady and will be remembered dearly by all who knew her.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ike; her children, Debra (Patrick) Gallagher of Hickory Corners, Robert (Mary) Mellema of Hickory Corners, Julie (Jeffrey) Smith of Richland; 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, her cherished dog Zoey, and numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Bonnie was preceded in death by her son, Michael C. Mellema; her grandson, Brandon Mellema; her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Betty O'Brien, and her parents.

Friends will be received in the Social Hall at St. Ann Catholic Church 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2016, followed by the Rosary in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John D. Fleckenstein 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI 49012.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, 11775 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Richland Chapel. Personal remembrances for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.