Bonnie B. Talley, 85, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Wabash General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 12, 1935 in Wabash County, Illinois, the daughter of George Robert and Velma Ruth (Kaiser) Helton. Bonnie was a 1952 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. She married Norman Talley on October 19, 1952 and he preceded her in death on June 15, 2017, after sixty-four years of marriage.
Bonnie worked hard her whole life. She had worked as a retail clerk at the A & P Grocery Store and a local fabric shop which she also owned. She then took a position at Security Bank and Trust where she retired as the head teller. She was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed making dresses for her daughters and granddaughters. Bonnie often sewed beautiful gowns for proms, special occasions and most especially, her daughters were extremely proud to wear the gowns their mother made for their wedding day. Bonnie was a devoted wife, mother and granny. Some of her favorite memories came from whole family vacations they took to the Smokey Mountains, camping trips and family get-togethers at home. Bonnie’s granddaughters treasure the special recipes she shared with them and they describe her as the best at making fried chicken, strawberry pie, waffles, cheese popcorn, noodles and cherry delight. She was easy going, sharp minded, an avid reader and had a great sense of humor. She was known for passing out two-dollar bills on special occasions and she enjoyed teaching her great-grandchildren how to count change. Bonnie had the best smile, the kindest heart, never met a stranger and cared deeply for her whole family. She was a member of Parkview Christian Church and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Bonnie leaves behind her daughter; Debbie Winkler and husband Steve of Port Wentworth, Georgia; son, Michael Talley of Tarpon Springs, Florida; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Meadows, Derek (Tia) Morgan, Sean (Diana) Morgan, Jason (Carla) Winkler, Jenna (James) Gerbasi, Jay (Abby) Winkler; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Madi and Maddox Meadows, Clay and Kelsey Morgan, Maverick and Eliza Morgan, Genesis Malott, Bethany Winkler, Kaelin (Mason) Durst, Lilly, Turner and Lyric Wilson, Aubrey, Stephen and Braylee Gerbasi; great-great-grandson, Warren Cockran; son-in-law, Jeff Morgan; siblings, Judy Whitaker, Mary Ruth (Charlie) Kieffer, Jack (Mary) Helton; many loved nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Karen Post and special friend, Barbara Locke.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Beverly Kay Morgan;
granddaughter, Jaymie (Winkler) Wilson; brother, Robert George Helton; sisters, Eleanor Nation and Peggy Peterson; sister-in-law, Pat Bosecker.
The family would like to thank the staff at Oakview Nursing Home who cared for Bonnie and also a huge thank you to Wabash General Hospital for the compassionate care shown to Bonnie and her family
Graveside Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January, 17, 2021 at Lick Prairie Cemetery with Pastor Gene Seals officiating. Bonnie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. Prior to the Graveside Service, the family and their closest friends will gather for a Visitation in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Wabash Rally Against Cancer, (WRAC) and will be accepted at the Graveside or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Bonnie’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Talley family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
