Mrs. Bonnie Reed

Reed, Bonnie I. (nee Swearengin) was born on Nov 24, 1918 in Bruner, MO and moved with her family as a child to Oklahoma and Kansas where she met and married her first husband Max Reed with whom she moved to Wichita during WWII. Moved to California in 1956 living primarily in the San Jose area. While living there Bonnie taught herself to type, procuring a prime job as secretary to Head Curator of the preeminent Rosicrucian Museum. Bonnie was eager to learn and attended beauty school at 40 and was immediately hired as manager of one of San Jose's leading salons. She later became interested in politics where she served continuously as re-elected Regional Director of GSMOL for 15 years. While in this position she met and worked with several prominent California politicians including Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon, Congressman Norman Mineta, and Governor Jerry Brown. She was involved with many businesswomen's and professional associations in Santa Clara County and San Jose, CA including ABWA, Santa Clara Women's Cultural Club; in Wichita she was a member of the Rebecca Lodge and a charter member of Woodlawn Christian Church (now Countryside); Hypatia Club, 20th Century Club and the Sew-and-Sew Club started by her sister Ruby Stong. Bonnie returned to her Wichita roots in the late 1980s where she remained until her death on Nov 11, 2011. Pre-deceased by high school sweetheart J.C. Thompson, husbands Max Reed and John Beaman, and long time companion Bill Nufer; sister Ruby Stong and brother Jack Owens; survivors include nephew Neal Stong and niece Jan Stong; great nephews Christopher and Jonathan Stong and great-niece Denise Milligan. Visitation will be Tuesday 5:00-8:00pm with services following Wednesday at 10:00am. Both at Lakeview Funeral Home.