Bonnie Sue Heidinger
Bonnie Sue Heidinger, 80, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Carbondale, with her husband and daughter nearby.
Born on November 14, 1944, Bonnie was a cherished member of the Carbondale and Southern Illinois community, known for her amiable personality and significant contributions as an educator. She was a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and a committed wife to her husband Roy for 61 years.
Bonnie’s academic journey began at Cypress Elementary School in Cypress and continued at Vienna High School in Vienna.
She worked for legislator Paul Powell before furthering her education at Southern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a Master’s degree in 1970.
She began her illustrious teaching career at Cairo High School and Shawnee Junior College, then dedicating most of her professional life to teaching English and American History at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in Anna.
Bonnie’s passion for education was evident in her 30-plus years at the school and her annual presentations at Southern Illinois University’s regional history fair, where she was notably recognized for her contributions.
Bonnie’s commitment to community service was profound. She held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Union County Historical Society, authoring numerous articles on historical area homes, and the Carbondale Branch of the NAACP, where she served as Assistant Secretary.
A staunch supporter of advancing women’s rights and education, she was an early advocate of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a lifetime member of the Association of University Women (AAUW), serving as Chapter President, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for over 40 years. Bonnie also contributed to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as a member of the high school advisory committee.
Her personal interests included walking around Campus Lake with her daughter or friends, birdwatching with her husband, listening to NPR with morning coffee, reading, hosting family Thanksgiving dinners and traveling.
She was active in several local book clubs, and traveled both nationally and internationally, alone and with friends and family, more recently visiting Cuba with husband Roy.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Roy Heidinger; daughter Sonia Heidinger; sisters Wilma (and Raymond) Hartline (Dongola, Ill.) and Mary Lou Haffly (Dongola, Ill.); and sister-in-law Carol (and Brian) Hunt (St. Louis, Mo.).
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Kelly; father, Delbert Osman; and brothers-in-law George Heidinger and Donald Haffly.
Services to celebrate Bonnie’s life were held Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m., with eulogies and remembrances from family and friends, at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.
Interment will take place at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SIU Women’s Basketball or the McLeod Summer Playhouse, honoring Bonnie’s passion for supporting local initiatives. Bonnie’s legacy as a dedicated educator, community leader and family member will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.
Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.
To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.