Bonnie L. Mitchell

Bonnie Mitchell, age 86 of Dupree, SD; passed away on Friday evening, February 24, 2023 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.

The Funeral Service were held Monday, March 6, 2023, at the United Church of Christ in Dupree.  Pastor Pauline Webb officiated followed by burial in the Dupree Cemetery.

The Service was livestreamed on the website www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com and can be viewed by going to Bonnie's obituary and clicking on "View Funeral Service Here".

Following the Funeral Service at time of fellowship and luncheon were held at the Pioneer Hall in Dupree.

Special music was provided by Sue Starr, organist.

Serving as Honorary Casketbearers were Addie, Emma, Landon, Delilah, Arianna, and Crosby Weaver; Teagan, Kree, Rafe, and Shae Longbrake, Henry, Charlie, and Pepper Johnson, Kenleigh and Hudson Michalson, Addison Zeiler and Lacie Ler.

Serving as Active Casketbearers were Cody, Cole, and Clay Weaver, Cassie Flath, Jeff Henderson, Mardie Sonne, Callie Zeiler, Mitch and Barry Johnson, Tate, Kirby, and Seth Longbrake.

Bonnie Lorraine Stapert was born on December 25, 1936 at Eagle Butte, SD to Bernard and Mabel (Blattner) Stapert. The Stapert family lived at various places before settling on a farm northeast of Dupree where Bonnie attended the Cloverleaf School. Bonnie and her sister Ruth boarded in Dupree during their high school days, working at the local café before graduating in 1956.

She was united in marriage to Roald Mitchell on June 27, 1956 at Sturgis, SD.  Five children were born to this union, Pam, Cindy, Bernie, Brenda, and Dianna.  Bonnie spent her entire life on the ranch south of Dupree except for the last six years when she had to move to Rapid City because of dialysis and health issues; having battled diabetes for over 40 years.

Bonnie was instrumental in helping to get telephone service to the neighborhood in the early 1970’s; making a trip to Pierre to meet with the PUC.  They must have been tired of hearing from her because everyone finally got telephone service.  She helped in bringing extra income to the ranch by going into the hog business, getting a new barn built and selling feeder pigs for several years.

She will be remembered for her delicious baked goods that she shared whenever any of the neighbors stopped in to visit; also making several pies that would be auctioned off at the church harvest festival each year. She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren  and it always made her day when they stopped in to visit her.

Bonnie was a member of the Sew and So Extension Club; spent several years on the Dupree schoolboard and was active in the United Church of Christ and the Sheep Growers Auxillary.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children; Pam (Bill) Henderson; Dupree, SD; Cindy (Casey) Weaver, Wall, SD; Bernie (Deb) Mitchell, Dupree, SD; Brenda (Doug) Johnson, Peidmont, SD; and Dianna (Mike) Longbrake, Howes, SD; 12 Grandchildren, and 17 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Mabel Stapert; husband, Roald Mitchell; 2 granddaughters, Jodie Henderson and Ellen Johnson, and siblings, Russell, Dale, and Lloyd Stapert, and Ruth Coon.

Visitation was held Monday, March 6, prior to the service at the United Church of Christ in Dupree.

Cards can be mailed to Pam Henderson, PO Box 399, Dupree, SD  57623.

A Memorial has been established.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com