Bonnie Rhoads, artist, gourmet cook and gardener, died April 29, 2023, four months shy of her 70th anniversary with Dean Rhoads.

She was born August 1, 1934, on the Mio family homestead. She and Dean were Fairview High School sweethearts, and they married the day after her 19th birthday. Daughters Sheri and Teri followed four and six years later. Supporting Dean's MSU Extension career, the family lived in Rogers City, then moved to Manistique where her artistic career took hold. She co-founded the Manistique Art Club which hosted the city's first art show. In Iron Mountain she was active in the art community, painting watercolor and acrylic landscapes and abstracts. In 1975 they settled in Traverse City where the arts community is strong and vibrant. She served as president of the arts group. Her works were shown at art shows and galleries throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Florida, Arizona and Texas.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Zella and Ellis (Punk) Smith, and brothers Larry Smith and Mark Smith.

Her family will miss her: Sisters Peggy (Doyle) Troyer and Sharon (Ken) Lantz, daughters Sheri Rhoads (Adam Kennedy) and Teri Lancaster, grandchildren Dylan Lancaster and Margaux Lancaster, step granddaughters Brittany (Justin; children Brea and Aedric) and Brandy (Ryan) Koch.

We will celebrate her life at 11am on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Rd., Traverse City. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the service.

Bonnie's ashes will be placed at the church prayer garden after the service and in Fairview later this summer.

She suggested memorial contributions to the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Traverse City MI, 322 Sixth Street, Traverse City 49684 (crookedtree.org). Condolence notes can be mailed c/o 1088 Hemingway Lane, Traverse City MI 49686.