Bonnie R Kenniebrew

Bonnie Rose (Wainwright) Kenniebrew, age 76, passed away Friday, November 06, 2020, at Hallmark Nursing Center in Pekin, IL. She was born in Port Byron, IL, to Virgil and Mabel Wainwright on October 3, 1944.

Private family services will be held at this time.  Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, Friday, November 13, 2020, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery.  In accordance with restrictions, attendees are expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bonnie’s church, First United Methodist Church of Waukegan, or a charity of the donor’s choice.  First United Methodist Church of Waukegan 128 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alonzo Kenniebrew; her parents, Virgil and Mabel Wainwright; sister-in-law, Alice Wainwright; and several aunts and uncles.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Blake DeArmond (Joi), daughter, Ashley Easterwood (Vincent); step-daughters, Bridgid Ann Kenniebrew Steele (Orendeff), Karen Sue Kenniebrew Fayson; grandchildren, Kai Easterwood, Amanda DeArmond, Tiffany Marie Davis Gutierrez (Marvin), Bridgid Ryan Fayson Milenkovski (Andrew), Alexander Steele, Michael Fayson, Marie Steele, Matthew Fayson; sister, Kathy Rohrbaugh (Ralph); brother, Jim Wainwright (Pam); brother George Wainwright (Alice); many nieces and nephews; other family and dear friends.

Bonnie did not know a stranger. She was very kindhearted and was always willing to help those in need. She also had an ornery streak that always kept family and friends entertained. She was a wife, mother, friend, and a blessing to anyone that had the opportunity to meet her. Bonnie loved her family and her lipstick, something she never went without.

Bonnie has an older sister, Kathy, and two younger brothers, Jim and George. When growing up, she had a close relationship to her extended family and aunts. She continued to prioritize family her entire life.

She graduated high school and enrolled in cosmetology school. There was not much that Bonnie Rose could not do. She co-owned a Ben Franklin store in Farmington, IL, was employed at International Harvester, and owned a beauty salon.

At age of 21, Bonnie had her first child, Blake DeArmond. Together they navigated life as best friends. Blake attended and graduated from Western Illinois University. Upon entering college, Bonnie surprised Blake with a younger sister, Ashley. Bonnie and Alonzo met in 1985, quickly wed in Peoria, IL, and Ashley was born in December. Alonzo had two adult daughters from a previous marriage, Karen and Bridgid. Within a year of their marriage, they moved to the Chicagoland area and remained in Waukegan, IL, for 25 years. Together, they raised their daughter, Ashley, and several neighborhood children. Alonzo and Bonnie were members of the First United Methodist Church in Waukegan, IL. They made several close friends that they continued to remain in contact with. Bonnie was a homemaker until Ashley entered junior high school. She then returned to work as a paraprofessional within the Waukegan Public School System and served special education children for 15 years. Prior to Alonzo’s retirement from AFLAC, he and Bonnie traveled for years. They enjoyed life together and the experiences they shared.

On Easter of 2008, Bonnie experienced an immense stroke that significantly impacted her health. However, her tenacity and will to live was greater, and she returned home with her family after intensive therapy. In November 2011, they relocated to the Quad Cities to be closer to family. As her caregiver, Alonzo remained by her side until he transitioned to heaven on January 9, 2017. Bonnie then moved to Morton, IL, to be near her son.

Bonnie was proud of her children and their accomplishments. Blake is married to Joi DeArmond and together they have one child, Amanda. The DeArmond family resides in Morton, IL. Ashley is married to Vincent Easterwood and together they have one child, Kai. The Easterwood family resides in Winthrop Harbor, IL.

She taught her children that life was worth fighting for through every battle she overcame. Through breast cancer and a debilitating stroke, she never gave up. She learned to overcome her hardships and to appreciate all the blessings she was given. Through it all, she was an amazing mother and is now our angel. We will dearly miss you.