Bonnie G. Gehrt Obituary (1932 - 2022)

Bonnie G. Gehrt 90, of Normal, Illinois passed from this life August 10, 2022 at the Village of Mercy Creek Assisted Living facility. She was born January 31, 1932 to John (Jack) and Doris Bristow in Gridley, IL. Bonnie married Paul O. Gehrt December 15, 1956. The two were married for 54 years. They raised four children and ran three businesses together in Bloomington-Normal - Paul's Flowers (1952-1960), The Youth House (1960-1971), and Flowers, Plants & Things (1974-1995). Bonnie and Paul are now reunited for eternity in glory. Bonnie enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, flower gardening, cooking. She loved her blended 'mixed bag of nuts' family. Though not all were related by birth, Bonnie and Paul loved each as their own. Bonnie boasted of being one of nine children and growing up on an old-fashioned farm. She was a faithful supporter of the Sound of Illinois barbershop chorus, of which her husband Paul was a 53-year member. Surviving are their children: Janice Leggett, Jefferson City, MO; Stephen (Debra) Gehrt, Evans, CO; Paula (Donnie) McElroy, Clarksville, TN; daughter-in-law Shelly (Jonathon) Gehrt, Kappa, IL; sister Marcia (Pete) Todd, Bloomington, IL; sister Linda Elias, El Paso, TX; 12 grandchildren, Rebecca Abbey Krueger, Gregory Abbey, Jimmy Leggett, Jennifer Gehrt Lojuk, Terry Gehrt, Kristi Gehrt Higgins, Dustin Gehrt, Kara Gehrt Booras, Brian McElroy, Angela McElroy Peacock, Sarah McElroy Smith-Prokosch, and Matthew McElroy; 24 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Jonathon Gehrt, and six of her siblings: Marilyn Bristow Jordan, Lois Bristow Dungan, Jack Bristow, Duane Bristow, Nancy Bristow Imig Bentley and Larry Bristow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Sound of Illinois Chorus (c/o Jim Waldorf 1603 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701) and The Village at Mercy Creek Assisted Living (1501 Mercy Creek Drive, Normal, IL 61761). A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to: Beck Memorial Home, 209 E. Grove Street, Bloomington, IL 61701.