Bonnie Sue (Frost) Heiserman was born at her family home on October 11, 1934, in the Spruce area. She attended the Cumpton School in elementary and was active in the Skyline 4-H program, where she first developed a passion for cooking and sewing. After graduating from Appleton City High School in 1953 Bonnie worked as a switchboard operator at Farm & Home in Nevada, MO. Bonnie also worked at Citizens Bank of Appleton City for a period of time. Bonne married Donald “Bud” Heiserman on April 4, 1954 at the Presbyterian Church in Butler, MO. To this union, four children were born: Dudley, Denice, Chris and Diane.
With the transition to wife and mother, Bonnie was always working on the farm and taking care of others. Bonnie maintained a talent for cooking her entire life. Her family will always remember her delicious BBQ sauce, chocolate cake with caramel icing, Christmas candy, and strawberry jelly. Another 4-H skill that Bonnie mastered in adulthood was her talent of sewing as evidenced by the many beautiful quilts that she made, which will be forever treasured by her family. She was a member of the quilting group at her church and loved attending every Thursday.
Throughout her life, Bonnie enjoyed picking up pecans and attending auctions to add to her many antique collections. She especially loved visiting her sister in California. Bonnie and Bud spent a lot of time fishing and camping with family. Whenever Bonnie went to the lake, she put anyone to shame when slalom water skiing. Most of all, Bonnie loved her family. She loved hosting family get-togethers and fish fries. Even when her memory began to fade, Bonnie always knew that she belonged with family.
Bonnie developed a relationship with Christ from a young age. She was baptized at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church as a young girl. Bonnie was a talented piano player and used her talents to serve God. She played piano at the Spring Grove Presbyterian Church until it closed. She continued to play piano at the Rockville United Methodist Church, where she attended until her death. Bonnie was welcomed into Jesus’ arms on January 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Cleo Frost; her husband of 53 years, Bud; a brother, Jimmy; and a great-great-grandchild, Rowan. She leaves behind, a sister, Patty; her children: Diane (Shawn) Johannigmeier, Chris (Karen) Heiserman, Denice (Mark) Nitchals, and Dudley (Cindy) Heiserman; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.
The family suggests memorial to Rockville United Methodist Church or Appleton City Cemetery Association and may be left at the funeral home.
