Betsy A. Bonny

 Betsy Ann Bonny, 82, of Oxford Junction, Iowa passed away Saturday, January 23rd, after a short illness.

Betsy  was born in Yonkers, New York, the eldest daughter of Edward and Marie Marecek ,and was a sister to Geraldine  (Marecek) Curtin. As a new high school graduate, she began a job at Otis Elevator Company as an office clerk.  She met a handsome sailor and married Keith Curley in 1957 and then married Joe Bonny in Oxford Junction in  1977.  The years included a move to California, the birth of 3 children, a move back to New York and finally a  permanent move to Iowa and the addition of two more children. Oxford Junction quickly became home and  friends became family.  

 Betsy’s life was dedicated to raising her children and teaching them important life skills such as canning,  gardening, hanging laundry on the line without letting it hit the ground, and shoveling the neighbors snow free of  charge. She made sure that her children knew how to treat others with respect and to be especially kind to the  older residents in their town. Scouting was a way for Betsy to be involved with children and she served as a scout  den mother for many years and eventually became a district manager for the scouting program guiding both of  her sons to become Eagle Scouts, something that made her very proud. 

 Her constant ability to meet and talk with almost anyone, led her to manage the video store in Wyoming and  work as a clerk at the OJ Sundries. Those continued connections with people and her dedication to the small  town she called home, prompted her to run for Oxford Junction City Council and after 16 years of service there,  became Mayor for 5 years. These experiences, which she freely and nervously admitted were new to her, helped  her understand how small towns and city governments worked. When Oxford Junction formed a sister city  connection with Jilovice, Czech Republic, Betsy traveled there with other OJ residents and experienced the trip of  a lifetime representing the town she loved.  

 As she became a true “senior citizen,” Betsy enjoyed being part of the Senior Center in the morning with  friends for coffee and sweet treats and BINGO in the evenings anxious to play for the “big” pot of the night!  Dressing up in costume for special occasions and dancing up a storm whenever music came on will be the lights of  her memory that will never fade.  

 Betsy, (or Iowa Grandma as much of her mail was addressed) leaves behind five children that will miss her  terribly. Nanette (Gary) Bolar, Beloit, WI; Brian (Sarah) Curley, Beloit, WI; Ed (Caroline) Curley, Davenport, IA;  Yvonne (Bruce) Bright, Lowden, IA; and Yvette (Todd) Bonny, Janesville, WI,; She leaves 7 grandchildren and 13  great grandchildren who will miss the secret stashes of Jelly Belly’s and special games and fun and grandma’s  house. Finally, those friends and acquaintances of the small town Iowa culture that she loved so much  …..especially, friend and neighbor Susie, Chris, always ready to visit and help, and Coon’s corner for providing the  personal touch that you won’t find anywhere else.  

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Dawson Funeral Services in Oxford Junction. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 29 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Dawson Funeral Services. Burial will be held at Mayflower Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Oxford Junction Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance, Oxford Junction Senior Center, Oxford Junction Post or to Salute to the Fallen Foundation at Salutetothefallen.org in Betsy’s honor. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dawsonfuneral.com. Cards or gifts of condolences can be directed to Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Betsy Bonny Family Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.

 "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart,  I'll stay there forever." — A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

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