Bonnie Lois (McKune) Schmidt, 96 of Russell died Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Bonnie was born September 23, 1917 in Russell, one of four children born to Robert C. and Nellie (Zimmerman) McKune.  She grew up on the family farm in Russell County.  She graduated from Russell High School with the Class of 1936.

Bonnie was united in marriage to Alex F. Schmidt on July 12, 1937 in Salina, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three daughters; Janice, Joanne and Pam.  They made their home in Russell for a few years before moving to California in the early 40’s.  She worked for North American Aviation in Inglewood, California during WWII.  They returned to Russell in the late 40’s.  Bonnie and Alex were the owners and operators of the Eat-N-Time Café for many years.  Later, she worked as a waitress for Martha’s Café.
Alex preceded her in death on February 2, 1984.

Bonnie was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed traveling the world, sewing, quilting, boating and camping at Wilson Lake, square dancing until she was 90, and swimming at Fossil Creek Hotel pool.

Surviving family include her three daughters, Janice Ramsey (Lane) of Salina, Kansas, Joanne Applegate (Charlie) of Wichita, Kansas and Pam Gudenkauf (Chuck) of Russell, Kansas; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Ernie.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alex, brothers Gordon McKune and Robert McKune and sister Roberta Steckline.

Celebration of Bonnie’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, February 28, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church and Russell Senior Citizens Center.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.