Bonnie Kay Lu

TERRE HAUTE- Bonnie Kay Lu, 77, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care.
Born on December 14, 1947, in Terre Haute, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Robert Laughrey and Josephine Catterline Laughrey. A 1965 graduate of Garfield High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Indiana State University.
Bonnie shared her talents and creativity with the Terre Haute community through her varied and rewarding career. She was the co-owner of Sugar Bells, where she decorated cakes, catered events, and crafted beautiful wedding dresses. Her passion for helping others led her to work as a nutritionist with Pedal Park, manager of Repeat Boutique, and Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross. She also served as a substitute teacher for Vigo County School Corporation and retired as an assistant for the First Baptist Church preschool.
Bonnie was a devoted member of Terre Haute First Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she lived her faith through service and fellowship. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and a past president of the Wabash Valley Optimist Club. She enjoyed playing cards and Bunco with her friends.
Bonnie cherished her family above all. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Carl Lu, whom she married on October 19, 1996, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She is also survived by her children, Brian (Mandy) Hopton of Terre Haute; her grandchildren, B.J. Hopton, Jacob Hopton, and Kayla Hopton; and her brother-in-law, Jim Maxwell of Terre Haute. Bonnie will be dearly missed by her extended family, including several nieces, nephews, and her special caregiver, Elizabeth Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Ted (Shirley) Laughrey, Shirley (Harland) Vester, and Carolyn Maxwell.
Services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cottrell-Gooch Funeral Home, 281 N. Main Street, Rosedale, Indiana, with Trina Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 26, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials should friends so desire may be made to Terre Haute First Baptist Preschool, 4701 Poplar St., Terre Haute, IN 47803, or the Terre Haute Humane Society, P.O. Box 3307, Terre Haute, IN 47803.
Bonnie will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family and community. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of love and service.
Condolences may be shared online at www.goochfuneralhome.com.