Bonieta Ann Richards

Bonieta “Bonnie” A. Richards, 86, Rockford – Bonnie was reunited with her husband and love, Bill Richards, on Tuesday, March 21, 2018, in the comfort of the home that they had shared for over 50 years. Bonnie was born in 1931 to parents, Herman and Florence Williams. Bonnie met Bill at a dance and they married on August 25, 1951 in Freeport, IL. They had 6 children, 14 grandchildren and the family continues to grow with 4 great-grandchildren and more on the way. Over the course of her life, Bonnie worked at Ace Hardware when her children were young, spent many years working as the Chief Deputy Coroner of Winnebago County and in her later years, volunteered at Rockford Memorial (Mercy) Hospital. Bonnie was an avid supporter of her husband, Bill, in all of his adventures, most of which were with Troop 37. In addition, she loved spending time with all of her grandchildren and was known for her grilled cheese sandwiches. The Richards family would like to thank Dr. Diane Zug, Dr. Mete Korkmaz and the Heartland Hospice Team for their compassion and care, and for the grace they showed our mother. Bonnie is survived by her children, Don (Susan) Richards of Wichita, KS; Christal (Steve) Schilb of Moline, IL; Vicki McReynolds of Loves Park, IL; Linda (Mike) Hedlund of Winnebago, IL; Barbara (David) Lange of Beloit, WI; Jeff (Sue) Richards of Loves Park, IL; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband Bill Richards; granddaughter Carol Ann Hedlund; great-grandson Kyle Wagner; brother Monte “Pete” Williams; sister Sr. Ann Benedict; and brother-in-law Joseph Langer.
Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103, and on Tuesday, March 27 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of prayers at 10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice in Bonnie’s honor. Funeral arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com