Bonnie Tilden Obituary
Bonnie is survived by her son, James (Tammy) Tilden Jr. of Porter, IN; daughter, Jamie (Rick) Smurdon of Chesterton, IN; granddaughter, Kaitlin Tilden; four grandsons, Nathan Tilden, Corey Tilden, Trevor Smurdon, Brendan Smurdon; sister, Dolores Isbey; brother, Charles McCoole; and many extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, James Edward Tilden, Sr.; son, Jeffrey Tilden; her parents, Horace and Cecilia McCoole; two brothers, Donald "Spike" McCoole, Conn "Ching" McCoole; and two sisters, Kathleen "Sis" McCoole, and Karen "Snook" Pisowicz.
Bonnie loved taking care of kids and doted on her grandchildren. She loved to read and drink coffee. Bonnie's family was very close and would get together every weekend. She and her husband enjoyed playing cards and slot machines. Bonnie never found a slot machine she didn't like. One of her favorite memories was when she finally got to go on a trip to Hawaii with family. In her younger days Bonnie enjoyed bowling, and was always an amazing cook.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Bonnie and Jim's lives together on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 pm at VFW #2511, 1290 Wagner Rd., Porter, IN 46304. Bonnie will be laid to rest with her husband, Jim, at Chesterton Cemetery in private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice at www.duneshospicellc.com/donate. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Tilden, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304
Make a Donation
in Bonnie Tilden's name
How to support Bonnie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bonnie Tilden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
