Bonnie Grace Slaven

Bonnie Grace (Hunt) Slaven, 84, of Traverse City, passed away on April 16, 2024. The seventh and youngest of Howard and Hilda Hunt was born on August 7, 1939 in Traverse City. Her siblings were; Margaret, Donely, Doris, June, George and Helen. Bonnie was raised on a cherry farm on Lakeview Hills Road in Traverse City. As a young girl, she was always seen with her long hair in braided pigtails. Being the master baker that she was, it was only fitting that a cherry farmer's daughter would enter and win the first Cherry Pie Queen contest of Traverse City, Michigan. Besides her excellence at baking, she was also a master at gardening, canning, quilting, bird watching, and her all-time favorite – crosswords. Her intelligence and exceptional memory were quite amazing, just like her beauty. She took great pride in her many years as an insurance agent at Fitzmaurice-Garvin Insurance, developing several devoted and trusting clients. Forced retirement was a bitter pill to swallow. She enjoyed spending time at the lake with friends, going on cruises, riding horses, board games, cards, and parties. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family. She knew every niece and nephew's birthday by heart. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren made her beam with love and pride when talking about or seeing any of them. Some, she is now in heaven with. Those of us who are still on this earth will forever love and miss her until we can see her again. “We love you mom.” Bonnie is survived by a daughter, Misha Slaven-Hunter, a son, Matthew (Pat) Slaven, three grandchildren, Steven (MaKayla) Slaven, Leyla (Andrew) Melton and Larissa Hunter as well as two great-grandchildren, Archer Melton and Aiden Slaven. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Sheryl Slaven and Kristin (Bill) Brott. In accordance with Bonnie’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider and memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49696 or American Lung Association of Michigan, 26555 Evergreen Rd. Suite 540, Southfield, Michigan 48076. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bonnie’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Bonnie Grace Slaven

August 7, 1939 - April 16, 2024