Bonnie Jo Cooley

Bonnie Cooley, 93, passed Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Kinder, Louisiana. She was born in Dayton, Tennessee, to the union of James and Nora Yother. In 1953, she moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where she lived for 27 years raising a family and working as a waitress and in manufacturing. In 1980, she moved to Mittie, Louisiana to marry Huey Cooley, where they lived for 35 years until his passing.

Bonnie enjoyed the country life and took great pride in caring for any stray animal that showed up-dog, cat, opossum, or turtle. She was a faithful member of The Pentecostals of Mittie, serving as the Sunday school secretary for many years. Her compassionate nature and dedication to her faith and community touched the lives of many.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, four brothers-Paul, Ralph, Hershel, and James "Tater" Yother-and four sisters-Jessie Thurman, Lola Martin, Kate McLaughlin, and Lois Scroggins Batinich.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Benoit (Greg), Crystal Kohler, and Kimberly Haines; grandchildren, Michell Siddiqui (Asim), Jennifer Abbey, Melody Gromley (Anthony), Steven Kohler (Jeanie), and Jarred Kohler; nine great-grandchildren; and all the exceptional and kind staff at Kinder Retirement & Rehabilitation Center who cared for her for the last 10 years.

Bonnie's legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on through her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.

Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until time of service 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6th, 2025, at Riley Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 315 N. 14th St., Kinder, LA 70648. Reverend J.R. Dowden will be officiating. Interment to follow at Simmons Cemetery in Mittie, Louisiana.

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