Bonnie Mae Walton, age 93, died at the Meadowbrook Nursing Home on April 4, 2026,
surrounded by her family. She was born February 12, 1933, to Harry and Eleonor (Kimball)
Cooper in Alma Center, Wisconsin.
Bonnie lived a life rich with family, tradition, and simple joys. She loved camping, listening to
country music, attending Hodag, and spending time bowling. She had a true green thumb,
nurturing plants with the same care she gave to the people she loved.
Family was at the center of everything she did. She adored taking care of her grandchildren,
and many of them ended each day by calling her to say their prayers. She had a nickname for
everyone, each one given with affection.
Bonnie was known as the Buyline Queen, faithfully listening to the WWIS Buy-Line program.
She loved bringing birthday cupcakes to school, making each celebration special. She enjoyed
driving in her Monte Carlo, attending the Cooper Family Reunion, and hosting holiday dinners
where no one ever left hungry. She proudly passed down her famous gravy-making skills to
her grandson Soren.
At Christmastime, the family gathered to help her hang the “precious” Christmas bulbs, a
tradition filled with love and laughter. During hunting season, family and friends met at Walton’s
Mountain the night before to share stories of past adventures.
Bonnie’s favorite meal was fried chicken and coffee, a simple comfort she enjoyed throughout
her life. She had a deep love for horses and often spoke fondly of her beloved Ginger. She also
enjoyed playing her guitar, a skill she learned from Joey Woodworth. At home, she always had
the scanner on, keeping up with the world around her.
She loved going to garage and rummage sales, always determined to get a bargain and rarely
paying the asking price.
Above all, Bonnie had a strong sense of family values. She reminded her children and
grandchildren “to answer your phone,” a phrase that will echo lovingly in their memories.
Bonnie leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, generosity, and the unshakable strength of family.
She created a home where everyone felt welcome, where laughter was shared freely, and
where no one ever left hungry. Her traditions will continue to live on through the generations she
nurtured.
Most of all, Bonnie leaves behind a family bound tightly by the values she lived every day:
kindness, togetherness, humor, and unwavering love. Her spirit will continue to guide them, her
stories will continue to be told, and her presence will be felt in every gathering, every holiday,
and every moment of shared family joy.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Eleonor Cooper; siblings, Art (Arlene)
Cooper, Swede (Gin) Cooper, Junior (Pat) Cooper, and Bob (Sandy) Cooper.
Bonnie is survived by her children, Angel (Joel) Smith, Rocky Walton, and Penny (Terry) Marg;
grandchildren, Matthew (Lori), Ashley (Colton), Dakota, Joel Jr., Cortney (Sam), Soren (Crystal),
Rainey Mae (Travis), Randy (Amy); Great-grandchilren, Kaylin, Cooper, Mariah, Kaylea,
Ainslee, Soren II (Cymbria), Colton, Kaden, Trinity, Gavin, Mya, and Grayson; Great- great
grandchildren, Elizabeth, Soren III, Maevis Mary Mae; brother, Gary (Joyce) Cooper; and
numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services for Bonnie will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the United Methodist
Church in Alma Center at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Jon McHann and Reverend Terry Marg will officiate.
Friends and family are invited to the visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services.
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