Bonnie LaRee Reade was born in rural Cheyenne County, Kansas to Clarence E. and Vivian Pearl Jones Reade on September 3, 1927. She was welcomed by sister Evelyn and brother Rex.  Completing the family were brothers Radean and William "Bill". Bonnie passed from this life at the Cheyenne County Hospital in St Francis, Kansas on May 25, 2021. We have been blessed for over 93 years.

The Great Depression forced the family to move several times to various farms in the county. The family settled in Bird City and Bonnie entered Bird City Rural High School in the fall of 1941.

Bonnie met a fellow Freshman from north of town by the name of Willis Burr. Their friendship developed into a romance during the high school years. Bonnie graduated from high school in 1945.  She experienced the hardships of the Depression and Dust Bowl days as well as the sacrifices during the World War II years.

Willis and Bonnie married June 8, 1947 in Bird City. They made their home with Willis's parents Earl and Marjorie Burr on the family farm north of town. Willis farmed with Earl and Bonnie embarked upon her life as a farmer's wife.

On December 12, 1948 Victoria  Lynne, "Vickie" was born followed by Terral Trent,"Terry" on February 9, 1950. On March 1, 1954 Timothy Lee joined the family followed by Troy Dean on February 5, 1955.Ted Reade completed the family on December 27, 1958.

Bonnie realized the need for special education after it was apparent that Vicki had learning difficulties. Doggedly determined to give Vicki the opportunity for a successful life, Bonnie became an advocate for her daughter as well as other children with special needs. Her determination led to the creation of special education classes at Bird City schools followed by the formation of the Prairie Development Center in Atwood for adults with special needs. The successor to PDC is the Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in Hays.

Bonnie was the driving force for the inception of Special Education beginning in a single classroom with a few students and a dedicated teacher.  From this beginning evolved a 16-county association known as DSNWK that serves the needs of develop mentally disabled individuals. From some of her many speech notes comes this quote from Proverbs 31:8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."

Her passion for over 60 years, was to provide opportunities for these individuals.  She remained a dedicated advocate as well as a charter board member beginning with PDC and DSNWK until her death.

Bonnie was actively involved in the academic and athletic activities of her sons. She attended countless ballgames lending encouragement and a few opinions.

She went to plays, band and vocal concerts basically any activity that we were involved in and that continued for her grandchildren as well. She was honored to serve as the Queen of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Association in 2016. She was actively involved in the Church of Christ as well as the community and other social groups.

Bonnie is proceeded in death by her parents, in-laws, daughter Vicki in 1983 and husband Willis in 1999. Also proceeding her are siblings Evelyn Troutt Berry and Rex Reade.  She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Terry of Wichita, Kansas wife Liz, children Ryan and Amy. Tim of St Francis, Kansas, wife Robin and children TJ and Abby. Troy of Bird City, Kansas, Wife Cindy and children Natasha, Shannon and Matt, Ted of Bird City, children Forrest, ElsaCraig, Gregor, Guienevere and Tucker. Also surviving are brothers Radean Reade of Hutchinson, Kansas and Bill Reade of Sun City, Arizona. 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Services were held at the St Francis Church of Christ on Friday, May 28, 2021 with interment in the Bird City, Kansas cemetery.  Memorials to DSNWK Hays, Kansas and Carpenter Place, Wichita, Kansas.