Bonnie (Bernice) Vonderhaar-Spelman, lovingly known as “Beautiful Bonnie,” passed away on March 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on June 6, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she married the love of her life, David Spelman, on April 4, 1964. Together they built a life centered around family, friendship, and adventure.
Bonnie was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her two sons, Scott (Sheri) Spelman and Greg (Carmen) Spelman, and five cherished grandchildren: Cory (Natalie) Spelman, Brooke Spelman, Lane (Lark) Spelman, Cody (Jenna Pearce) Spelman, and Jensen (Sydney Woodard) Spelman. She also adored her grand-dogs, who held a special place in her heart. Bonnie shared a lifelong friendship with Mary Sutphen, her dear friend and “outlaw,” and is also survived by her loving siblings, Rosemary Shannon, Della Juilfs, Dottie (Mike) Thompson, and Chuck (Karen) Vonderhaar.
She worked for many years at Bauer and Foss Wine Distributors before retiring to care for her in-laws. Later in life, she and her husband Dave enjoyed traveling the country with their camping friends and spent many winters in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by dear friends. Bonnie rarely missed her grandchildren’s sporting events and loved cheering them on. She also enjoyed going to the movies and spending quiet, quality time with those she loved. Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit earned her the affectionate nickname “Beautiful Bonnie,” a name that truly reflected both her inner and outer beauty.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Spelman; her parents, George and Betsy Vonderhaar; and her sisters, Georgia Lisi and Janet Parsley. Her love for her family, her deep friendships, and her joyful presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
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