Mary Eileen “Merry” Bonnot, 91, Jefferson City, departed this earthly world to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
She was born Jan. 28, 1932, to the late Edwin Herman Schnieders and Ottillia V. (Nilges) Schnieders in Linn.
She was united in marriage to Charles Francis Bonnot Sept. 30, 1950, in Jefferson City.
After graduating from St. Peter High School, Mary attended Nichols Career Center, Lincoln University, The Federated Tax Institute of Chicago and select courses at Missouri University. The Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys awarded her a Paralegal Certificate after she attended the Peoples Law School.
She belonged to the Catholic Knights of America Fraternal Organization (now known as Catholic Financial Life) for over 75 years where she served as President of Branch 1181 in Jefferson City. Mary was also president of the First District Advisory Board, and was honored to preside for a three-year term as State President during the 100th Anniversary Celebration, as well as serving as a member of the Missouri Fraternal Congress.
She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority for over 55 years attaining all degrees and receiving all Rituals. Mary served as president of all the chapters as well as serving three terms as Beta Sigma Phi City Council President. Girl of the Year Awards were presented many times by the various chapters as well as City Council Girl of the Year of Beta Alpha Master Chapter and received the Golden Ritual and The Torch Ritual in 2013. She was a member of American Legion Post #5 Auxiliary, President of Parents Without Partners Chapter 281 in Jefferson City and the First Lady President of Central Missouri Investment Club. Mary also belonged to The Mykee Investment Club and the Jefferson City Postal Auxiliary where she served in the Office of President and served as the State President on the National Board. She was included in the 1967 Edition of Outstanding Young Women of America. For 26-years Mary was a member of the Jefferson City Board of Real Estate as well as State and National Boards of Real Estate. She held the designations of Graduate of Real Estate Institute, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Certified Residential Specialist and Master of Real Estate.
Mary was employed as a realtor for Century 21, Prudential and Coldwell Banker Gordon Co. Prior to her real estate career, she was employed with the Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division, The Missouri State Penitentiary, as secretary/bookkeeper and buyer, Division of Prison Farms, followed as assistant treasurer of inmate banking, and lastly with Family Services/Health Department as a contract buyer.
Mary loved to travel visiting all states in America, the West Indies, Panama Canal and South America, many European countries as well as Canada. She visited Nova Scotia on many occasions and there she joined the Oldest Social Club in North America known as The Order of The Good Times established in 1606. Mary loved dancing, oil painting, was an avid bridge player, other card games, bingo, and Casinos, as well as attending educational seminars.
She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church over 60 years; was a den mother for the Cub Scouts; Mass coordinator and Eucharistic minister at St. Peter Church and Eucharistic minister and coordinator for St. Mary’s Hospital with the Pastoral Care Department.
Mary was runner up for the Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Queen for District 7 representing Jefferson City Manor.
She maintained that she was truly blessed with a wonderful family and placed them above everything. Her sons, daughters-in-law, wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchild were the center of her universe. She enjoyed and kept up with all their involvements and accomplishments in life.
Mary was preceded in death by husband, Charles; parents, Edwin and Ottillia; and sister, Vanitta Erhardt.
She is survived by sons, Keith Bonnot and wife Missy and Kirk Bonnot and wife Rhonda, all of Jefferson City; grandchildren, Erica Colter and husband Ben of Berger, Tori Burkdoll and husband Shane of St. Louis, Gabe Marcantonio of Seneca, S. C.; and Anna Marcantonio of Kansas City; great-grandchild, Josie Colter of Berger; sisters-in-law, Louise Bonnot of Linn and Emma Bonnot of Jefferson City; and many nieces and nephews including special niece, Kristie Scheulen.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at St. Peter Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Brad Berhorst officiating.
Entombment will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Vogelweid Learning Center, c/o St. Peter Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes in Jefferson City.
