Bonnie Whitehall

1935 - 2026

Bonnie L. Whitehall-Knowles, age 90, formerly of Orion and Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in Rochester, New York. She was born on September 10, 1935, in Keithsburg, Illinois.

Bonnie graduated from Keithsburg High School in 1953. She joined P.E.O. in Keithsburg in 1964 and, after moving to Orion in 1967, became a charter member of P.E.O. Chapter LZ (1976). She later served as president of the chapter 1979-1980. Bonnie was an active member of Orion Methodist Church and Coldbrook Christian Church in Galesburg. She also enjoyed participating in the Red Hat Society, where she served as Co-Queen, and the Loving Stitches quilting group.

Bonnie's interests were many. She loved to sing and participated in various choirs throughout her life. She also enjoyed dancing, camping, traveling-having visited all 50 states-and reading. Bonnie was known for her incredible wit, her love of laughter, and her deep devotion to family and friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a dedicated community volunteer and gracious host who loved to entertain and bake for her guests.

She began her career at Bituminous Casualty Insurance Company in Rock Island shortly after high school and later worked for SVEA Mutual Insurance Company in Orion for 28 years, retiring in 1998.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer E. and Jennie A. (Mealman) Fauble; her 11 siblings: William, Zola, Walter, Clarence, Arthur, Ida, Charles, Gilbert, Betty, Jack, and John; her first husband and high school sweetheart, Floyd A. Whitehall, whom she married on September 12, 1954, and shared 55 years of marriage until his passing on April 16, 2010; and her second husband, Jerry W. Knowles, a longtime family friend whom she married on June 19, 2013, and who passed away on April 3, 2024.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Bradley Whitehall Sr. (spouse Denise) of Westborough, Massachusetts, and their children: Jennifer, Bradley Jr. (spouse Caroline), and Anne; and her daughter, Elizabeth Keirstead (spouse Michael) of Rochester, New York, and their children: Amanda (spouse Kevin), with two great-grandchildren, and Gavin. One of Bonnie's greatest joys was her time teaching and playing with her grandchildren.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to friends and the University of Rochester Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to P.E.O. Chapter LZ, 17324 River Road North, Cordova, IL 61242. Contributions to P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) will be donated to Bonnie's favorite projects which support women continuing in education.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Orion Methodist Church on September 18, 2026 at 11:00AM.

Bonnie will be laid to rest beside her first husband, Floyd, at Rock Island National Cemetery.