Bonnie Eilert Obituary
Bonnie Belva Eilert, a spirited, determined, and deeply caring woman, passed away at her beloved farm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on January 26, 1929, in Baxter, Iowa, Bonnie was the daughter of James Weaver and Carrie Belle (Miller) Swalwell. She grew up with a strong sense of community and hard work, graduating from Newton Senior High School with the class of 1947.
On April 8, 1949, Bonnie married the love of her life, Roy William Eilert, in a ceremony at her parents' home. She dedicated many years as a secretary at John Deere Company while also passionately engaging in community service. A lifelong advocate for agriculture and rural life, Bonnie was a proud member of the Sugar Grove Grange for over 60 years and served as chairwoman of the Farm Bureau and was a member for 65 years. She volunteered for over four decades as the keeper of the First Church key at the Iowa State Fair, a place dear to her heart.
Bonnie's love for music and history shone through her involvement in the Jasper County Chorus and her many roles in the Mingo Centennial Celebration. Her warm spirit, resilience, and dedication to family and community left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy; her daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Terry Beals; and her siblings, Alva Swalwell, Mildred Snodgrass, Grace Kling, Wayne Swalwell, and James Swalwell.
Those left to honor Bonnie's memory include her grandchildren, Richard (Lana) Beals and Carrie (Larry) Bregar; and her great grandkids, Ryan Beals, Kayla Gragg, Avery Lees, Danica Linn (Treyton Casper), Cadence Linn and Allan Bregar.
A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The service will be broadcast live on the funeral home's Facebook page. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. before the service.
In honor of Bonnie's lifelong dedication to the Iowa State Fair, memorial contributions may be made to the fair and left at the funeral home.
Bonnie lived a life full of love, laughter, and service-a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Eilert, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Jodi Swalwell
March 25, 2025
I adored Bonnie Bell. She was so gracious and kind to me. Every now and then she would call me or I would call her. When she called me she always said that I just wanted to know what you've been up to and ask if I was OK. When I would see her I always kissed the top of her hand and I would call her Queen Bee! She would always smile. At family reunions I always tried to set by her and just chat. Getting back to our phone calls, At the end of our conversations she always said "Over and Out!" Now I'm sure she said that to everyone, but it always felt like I was the only one. It was special and so was the kindness that she treated me with. I loved her and I always will. R.I.P. Bonnie "Queen Bee." Rock On!
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310 North 2nd Avenue East P.O. Box 576, Newton, IA 50208
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