Bonnie Dernoncourt Story

The protagonist of a remarkable life, a positive force in the universe and a gentle, God-loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Bonnie Dernoncourt Story left her body behind and headed home to God Sunday, July 3, 2022.

Born Sept. 19, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, Bonnie spent most of her life in and around Charleston, Missouri. She was proud to be a lifelong Charlestonian, Christian and community friend.

Known for her curiosity, self-assurance and sense of adventure, she was ultimately voted "Most Mischievous" (and "Best Citizen") by her Charleston High School senior class. During her four years there, she was an active, feisty and popular student. She participated in school band, glee club, "The Bluejay" student newspaper, debate team, student council and the state music contest, and was Future Homemakers of America president and National Honor Society vice president.

She went on to attend Texas Woman's University in Denton before transferring to the University of Missouri in Columbia and joining the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. At Mizzou Bonnie reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Albert Loebe "Bud" Story Jr., whom she had first met when they were both in diapers.

Bonnie and Bud were married in 1962 and headed home to raise both crops and children on the family farm. Back in the Bootheel, Bonnie was involved in an array of causes in her community: a member of the Molly French Garden Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the PEO and Junior Study Club, to name a few.

The most important thing to Bonnie, along with her family, was her lifetime devotion to God and her membership in the church. She was a Sunday school teacher, a Bible school teacher and always remained active in the Charleston United Methodist Church.

Bonnie later fulfilled her father's wish that she complete her degree by commuting daily to Southeast Missouri State University -- all while a wife and mother of four. She graduated in 1974 with a bachelor of arts in education, and went on to teach for 18 years in classes from kindergarten to high school. Her ability to positively shape young minds was shown, in the incredible impact she had on the students in her care.

Bonnie and Bud had four kids together: Lee, John, Shelby and Abbie. Bonnie was polite and kind with impeccable manners, and she insisted her children be the same. She taught them the value of education and raised them to do unto others, treat people with respect and challenge everything.

Bonnie cared for Bud during sickness and in health. She was by his side the entire time while Bud fought terminal illness and later died a young man in 1994. She never remarried after Bud died, believing it would be unfair for any man to play second fiddle to her one true love.

Admittedly "rudderless" in the period following Bud's death, Bonnie moved to Cape Girardeau and then to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, attempting to regain her footing. It was her faith in God and love for life on the farm and in the small town of Charleston that sustained her and drew her back to the community of her youth.

An explorer at heart, Bonnie reveled in traveling and had a myriad of adventures all over the globe. She never met a stranger and loved to engage everyone she met in lengthy conversations, quizzing them about their families, hobbies and interests. She had a passion for movies, was an avid reader, preferred a rainy day and loved Sudoku puzzles. She was a champion skeet shooter, obtained her private pilot's license, graduated from fly-fishing school and loved to play the piano.

The last chapter of Bonnie's life was dedicated to her kids and grandkids. Affectionately known as Mama B, she traveled around the country visiting them, attending sports games, dances and graduations, making each of her 16 grandkids know how much she loved them. She was a legendary gift giver of epic proportions.

Bonnie was beloved by her neighbors for her outgoing personality, gracious manner and kind demeanor. Everyone knew her, and everyone loved her. She was also "tough as a pine knot," as her great-grandfather told her as a child. With her faith in God, a loving family and lifetime friendships in her small community, Bonnie had the strength and positive outlook to face any challenge with guts, gusto and a beautiful smile.

Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Albert Loebe "Bud" Story Jr.; parents, Mayme Shelby Dernoncourt, Ferd "Red" Gilmore and John Ellard Dernoncourt; and her sister, Robin Gilmore Allen.

She is survived by her four children, Albert Loebe "Lee" Story III of Fairway, Kansas; John Dernoncourt Story of Charleston; George Shelby Story of Prairie Village, Kansas; and Abbie Lynn Story LeFevre of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado; her sister, Cathy Louise Dernoncourt of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Her legacy is one of faith, love and laughter -- and her dazzling spirit will never be forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11 a.m., Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 1700 E. Marshall St., in Charleston. The Rev. Martin Lucas of East Prairie, Missouri, will officiate. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, please consider making a donation on her behalf to the World Wildlife Foundation or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.