Bonnie Lou (Gardner) Wiley

Bonnie Lou Wiley, 81, Urbana, Indiana, passed away July 21, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor East in Wabash, Indiana. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1940 in Wabash, Indiana, Bonnie was the daughter of the late James Harry and Evelyn Maxine (Schrader) Gardner.

During the Wabash County Fair in 1955, Bonnie met Ronald D. Wiley near the Ferris wheel. Two years later on December 7, 1957 the two were married, and in the spring, Bonnie graduated from Urbana High School. During their sixty-six years together and nearly sixty-four years of marriage, Bonnie and Ronald built a beautiful life together. Bonnie spent her time as a homemaker while raising four children and as a farmer’s wife. She helped on the farm wherever needed and did everything from drive tractors to run errands getting parts. Bonnie worked hard to support her family and make the farm successful, and she taught those around her to be caring and accepting of others.

Bonnie enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting, and cooking. However, she truly relished in her time spent helping her grandchildren with 4-H, which was a way for her to bond with them and pass on what she learned over the years. Bonnie was involved with the Home Economics Club and was a leader of the Ladies Farm Bureau Committee.

The loving memory of Bonnie Lou Wiley will be forever cherished by her husband, Ronald D. Wiley, Urbana, Indiana; sons, Edward (Joyce) Wiley, Warsaw, Indiana, Mark Wiley, Urbana, Indiana, and Bob (Pam) Wiley, North Manchester, Indiana; daughter, Debra (Don) Troxel, South Bend, Indiana; brothers, Jim (Linda) Gardner, Wabash, Indiana, and Richard (Jackie) Gardner, Wabash, Indiana; eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Janice Wiley; and sister, Doris Eads.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, County Road 300 East and 1000 North, Servia, Indiana. Joyce Wiley will officiate.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Bonnie Lou Wiley, memorial contributions may be to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814.

The family of Bonnie Wiley has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.