Bonnie Lou (Herman) Shaffer

Bonnie came into this world in a small farmhouse east of Rosston to Art and Mary Herman as the youngest of five girls. She attended Rosston Schools through all grades and graduated as president of the class of 1959. According to her, she was a heck of a basketball player. The love story that lasted 61 years began at the American Legion Hall in Laverne her eighth grade year when a handsome young man from Englewood showed up and they danced the night away. After many more dances, Rod and Bonnie tied the knot on September 2nd, 1961 in Laverne. Their journey began as students at Oklahoma State University. During that time they were pleasantly surprised thirteen months later by the birth of their son Jeff. Following Rod’s graduation, they began their next adventure in the US Air force. Upon graduating flight school at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, they were stationed at Blytheville AFB in Arkansas. During their time there, Bonnie went from a small town farm girl from Oklahoma to holding an office in the Officer’s Wives Club, something she was always very proud of. She used her experience from this to share with her children a love of culture and appreciation of fine foods and dining. During this time, they welcomed their second son Jim. At the end of their time in the military, they moved back to Bonnie’s childhood home April 1, 1969. She departed for her Heavenly home exactly 54 years later. She and Rod began their farm life and worked hand in hand until the end. She not only worked cattle, drove tractors but held numerous jobs outside the home including Oklahoma Industries, Laverne Hospital and Medical Arts Clinic and finished with a 23 year career as deputy assessor for Harper County. On April 6th, a few short weeks after the historic 1971 Blizzard, they welcomed their 3rd and final son, Jason Wade. Farm and Ranch life was not all work. She and Rod made sure their children had a family vacation every summer along with frog hunts and other adventures with their extended family. She loved continuing Grandma Herman’s legacy by hosting many years of Memorial Day reunions. Family was always first for her. And the love she received from a host of nieces, nephews and others was a testament to her love of family. Her other loves included traveling with her husband to many fun locations and taking her children and grandchildren on some very memory making trips. She loved raising gardens and her chickens. Several years ago, she was introduced to quilting which quickly became a passion. Her kids, grandkids and nieces and nephews all got the benefit by getting one of her beautiful masterpieces. She will always be remembered for sharing her opinion with any and everyone. She was black and white with no gray. But her love for the Lord was apparent and shared with her children and grandchildren and anyone who would listen. In later years, she so enjoyed her time with her card playing friends. It was the highlight of her week. From this came such beautiful friendships that she talked about continuously with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Mary Herman, her son Jason, grandson Bryce, great grandson Titus and sister Laverna Stevens.

She leaves behind her husband Rod, sons Jeff, Jim and wife Lana, grandkids Mariah, Madison, Jadon, Jace and Kensli along with greats, Barrett and Aspen and her sisters Vonna Miller and friend Mike, Donna Symes and husband Les, Arliss Walcher, in-laws Ruth Deweber, Donna and Junior Zollinger, Joy and Harold Osborn. And a bunch of much loved nieces and nephews. The legacy she left to her kids and grandkids was one of unconditional love and so many life lessons shared. Her husband has said and will always say she was his perfect soulmate. A true partner in every part of their 61 years together. She has left a lasting impact on those who love her.