Bonita J. Hawley

11/18/1948 – 2/27/2022
Omaha – Bonita Joy (Lee) Hawley

Gretna – Bonita Lee Hawley, 73, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 27, 2022.  She was born on November 18, 1948 in Loup City, Nebraska, the daughter of Joseph and Betty Lee.  

Bonita graduated from Arcadia High School, class of 1967. Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Hawley, on December 29, 1967. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this past December.   Bonita loved her family and friends.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She especially loved watching her grandkids play basketball, run track, and create artwork. Bonita also enjoyed playing cards with her parents, her sisters and their husbands.  Bonita enjoyed spending time with her friends, especially her “twisted sister” Kathy, who could always make her laugh.

Bonita’s faith was important to her as she was a life time member of the United Methodist Church, with her membership most recently at Gretna United Methodist Church.  Over the years, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She also served as Sunday School Superintendent.  Bonita worked in retail and the ASCS in Grand Island.  Bonita was also self-employed, running a home daycare business.  

In addition to her parents, Bonita was preceded in death by her sister, Barb Stapp.  Bonita is survived by her husband Jerry; her children, Renee, Ryan (Shannon), and Matthew; her grandchildren, Megan, Jacob, Owen, and Keegan; her sister, Betty (Rolen) Sell and Gary (Shirley) Stapp; her uncle, Max Welty and her aunt, Georgia Dorsey; along with many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, March 3rd at Gretna United Methodist Church 11457 S 204th St.  The family has asked that any memorial tributes be made to the Gretna United Methodist Church.  

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel
11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE –                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com