Mary E. "Merry" Bonnot

Mary Eileen “Merry” Bonnot, 91, of Jefferson City, departed this earthly world to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

She was born in Linn, Missouri on January 28, 1932, the daughter of Edwin Herman Schnieders and Ottillia V. (Nilges) Schnieders.

On September 30, 1950, she was united in marriage to Charles Francis Bonnot in Jefferson City, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on January 18, 1971. 

After graduating from St. Peter High School, she attended Nichols Career Center, Lincoln University, The Federated Tax Institute of Chicago and select courses at Missouri University.  The Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys awarded her a Paralegal Certificate after she attended the Peoples Law School.

Belonging to the Catholic Knights of America Fraternal Organization (now known as Catholic Financial Life) for over 75 years, she served as President of Branch 1181 in Jefferson City, as president of the First District Advisory Board, and was honored to preside for a three-year term as State President during the 100^th Anniversary Celebration as well as serving as a member of the Missouri Fraternal Congress.

She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority for over 55 years attaining all degrees and receiving all Rituals.  She served as President of all the chapters as well as serving three terms as Beta Sigma Phi City Council President.  Girl of the Year Awards were presented many times by the various chapters as well as City Council Girl of the Year of Beta Alpha Master Chapter and received the Golden Ritual and The Torch Ritual in 2013.  She was a member of American Legion Post #5 Auxiliary, President of Parents Without Partners Chapter 281 in Jefferson City and the First Lady President of Central Missouri Investment Club.  She also belonged to The Mykee Investment Club.  The Office of President was held by Mary for the Jefferson City Postal Auxiliary and served as the State President and on the National Board.  She was included in the 1967 Edition of Outstanding Young Women of America.  For 26-years she was a member of the Jefferson City Board of Real Estate as well as, State and National Boards of Real Estate.  Mary held the designations of Graduate of Real Estate Institute, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Certified Residential Specialist and Master of Real Estate.  She was a realtor for Century 21, Prudential, and Coldwell Banker Gordon Co.  Prior to her real estate career, she was employed with the Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Division, The Missouri State Penitentiary, as Secretary/Bookkeeper and buyer, Division of Prison Farms, followed as Assistant Treasurer of Inmate Banking, and lastly with Family Services/Health Department as a Contract Buyer. 

She loved to travel visiting all states in America, the West Indies, Panama Canal and South America, many European countries as well as Canada.  Mary visited Nova Scotia on many occasions and there joined the Oldest Social Club in North America known as The Order of The Good Times established in 1606.  She loved dancing, oil painting, was an avid bridge player, other card games, bingo, and Casinos, as well as attending educational seminars. 

Mary was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church over sixty years.  She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Mass Coordinator and Eucharistic Minister at St. Peter Church and Eucharistic Minister and Coordinator for St. Mary’s Hospital with the Pastoral Care Department.

Mary was runner up for the Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Queen for District 7 representing Jefferson City Manor.

She maintained that she was truly blessed with a wonderful family and placed them above everything.  Her sons, daughters-in-law, wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchild were the Center of her Universe.  She enjoyed and kept up with all their involvements and accomplishments in life. 

Survivors include two sons, Keith (Missy) Bonnot, Kirk (Rhonda) Bonnot, all of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Erica (Ben) Colter of Berger; Tori (Shane) Burkdoll, St. Louis; Gabe Marcantonio, Seneca, South Carolina; Anna Marcantonio Kansas City; one great-grandchild, Josie Colter of Berger; many nieces and nephews including special niece, Kristie Scheulen; and two sisters-in-law, Louise Bonnot, Linn; and Emma Bonnot, Jefferson City. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Vanitta Erhardt.

Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Brad Berhorst officiating.

Entombment will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Vogelweid Learning Center, % St. Peter Church, 216 Broadway, Jefferson City, MO 65101; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929; St. Mary’s Hospital; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.    trimblefunerals.com