Bonnie Rose Simmons, aka “Far Away Gramma”, age 76, died Sept. 21, in Kalamazoo.

Born June 23, 1948, in Plainwell to Clarence and Mary (Pavlak) Orr of Martin, Bonnie was a beacon of kindness and generosity, known for her unwavering, selfless devotion to her family and friends. Bonnie graduated from Martin High School in 1966.

After high school, she continued her education by training at Tracy Beauty Academy in Kalamazoo. In 1967, while she was out driving with a girlfriend, she looked over and saw a man in the car next to her at a stop sign. His name was Mark, and he turned to his friend and said, “I think I’m in love.” After Mark received his Army discharge and came home from Vietnam, the two were married on Aug. 2, 1969.

Bonnie was a troop leader for the Girl Scouts and an active band and athletic booster at Plainwell High School. She could be found at all her children’s activities and later her grandchildren’s. She provided child care in her home for various families over the years and was mother to many other children than just her own.

Bonnie’s zest for life was evident in her love for being out in the sun. She loved to travel and especially loved going to any beach, but her favorite was Lake Michigan. Some highlights of her travels were Italy and Hawaii.

She cherished moments spent with family, especially playing cards and board games. Her grandchildren would often say, “You’re the best gramma ever!” and she would reply, “And don’t you forget it!”.

Bonnie’s legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Her life was a testament to the love of family and of a life well-lived.

She is survived by her husband, Mark; siblings: Leo, Dale, Joe (Barb), Dan (Bev), Mary, Chris (Roxanne) and Woody (Liz); children, Jennifer (Andrew) Lyle, David (Caryn) Simmons, Kate (Shawn) Sandner; grandchildren: Adrien, Lauren, Sydney, Evan, Charlotte, Mikalya, Rozelyn, Quinley “Tootie”, and Dawson as well as many close nieces, nephews, in-laws and family friends. 

A memorial gathering will be held in her honor on Friday, Sept. 27, at noon followed by the memorial service at 1 p.m. at Martin United Methodist Church.