Bonnie Lou Kemle

Bonnie Lou Kemle, 90, of Crestline, passed peacefully with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Mill Creek Nursing Home.

Born in Prospect on October 12, 1935, to the late Ronald and Okle (Gekler) Saum, Bonnie graduated from Crestline High School in 1953. On November 18, 1956, she married Martin “Marty” Kemle, who preceded her in death on May 28, 2016.

Following in the footsteps of her father, who helped establish emergency medical services in Crestline, Bonnie became one of the community’s first EMTs and served part-time with the Crestline Fire Department. She also devoted many years to the Crestline schools as an aide, becoming a familiar and comforting presence to generations of students. She took quiet pride in helping young people and playing a small but meaningful role in their lives.

Bonnie found joy in crafting, cooking, and spending time with those she loved. Her warm humor and memorable personality often brought smiles to those around her; when asked how she was doing, she would frequently reply with a grin that she was “fat and sassy” or “ugly as ever.”

Above all, Bonnie’s life centered on her family. She was a devoted mother and loving grandmother who took great pride in her children and grandchildren. Her affection extended to many nieces and nephews, whom she helped raise and guide with the same care she gave her own.

She is survived by her children, Vicki (Marvin) Lash, Kathi Corbin, Fred Kemle, and Barb Kemle-Nelson; grandchildren, Bonnie Kemle, Miranda Lash, Heather (Joey) Davis, Desiree (Mike) Griefenstine, Rob Nelson, Mallory Lash, and Samantha (Joe) Borders; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bonnie was preceded in death by her siblings, Celestine Stewart, Maudine Hunt, Permelia Bower, and Ronald Saum.