Bonnie Jean (Chapman) Snedeger
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Bonnie Jean Chapman was born May 11, 1928 in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence C Chapman and Lois J. (Creviston) Chapman. She moved to Lawrence when she was three years old and attended Lawrence schools and the University of Kansas. During World War II she married Charles “Okie” E. Snedeger in Vallejo, California on August 10, 1944 while he was stationed on a ship in the U.S. Navy. After the war ended, they moved back to Lawrence in 1946 where they have since resided.
She was a genealogist and family historian for over sixty years. During 1970’s and 1980’s she surveyed all of the cemeteries in Douglas County. She published two volumes in 1987 called, Complete Tombstone Census of Douglas County, KS. This was a huge undertaking with a huge impact on history.
From 1968 to 1990 she and her husband owned and operated “Snedeger and Son Coin Laundry” at 12th and Connecticut Street.
She worked a few years at the Rock Chalk Café and at Watkins Hospital at K.U. in the office. Her main interest was her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include her two daughters, Sonnie Kemberling and husband, Jerry, Wendy Dalquest and husband, Ron; one son, Charles W. Snedeger and wife, Sarah; eight grandchildren, Steven Corbett, Amy Pugh, Jeff Corbett, Kevin Patterson, Brian Patterson, Elizabeth O’Neil, Abraham “Abe” Snedeger, Ashley Kretzschmer; ten great grandchildren, Keelin Snedeger, Haley Snedeger, Dade Wolf, Avery Pugh, Abby Patterson, Dylan Patterson, Kaden O’Neil, Zarek O’Neil, William Kretzschmer and Brianna Kretzschmer; one great-great grandchild, Louuka Fletcher; sister, Maxine Graves, Lawrence; and one half-sister, Karen Moore and husband, David, Eudora, KS.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Okie; three half-brothers, Kenneth Chapman, Ed Chapman and Rick Chapman.
With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery
She will lie in state from noon – 5 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Visiting Nurses Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
John and I are so sad to read about your mother’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family. She must have been a strong woman… she raised you! Our condolences.
SONNIE,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Please know that I am thinking about you. Best wishes during these miserable and painful times.
Barbara Huppee
I have very fond memories of helping Jean on a few occasions in the cemeteries, documenting family history for her records. I thought so highly of her for her endeavors & love for families.
It was always a happy occasion to see her & Okie at family gatherings, with their big smiles. The love they shared is one for the books & I enjoyed listening to their stories through the years. Their memories will remain forever in our thoughts.
Jean was a special person. Such a dear friend to my Mom and all of our family. I’ll always fondly remember all the good times spent at your house. So terribly sorry for your loss.
So very sorry to hear that your mother had passed. She was so very kind when first I stared in the genealogical society. She helped me in oh so many ways. She will be missed. Please do know that I am thinking of you and yours at this times. She was always so upbeat when I saw her. I remember the Halloween party at your place on 11th street, oh so many years ago. Such Fun was had by all.
Peace be with you at this time.
Sincerely, Carol Wilcox
So sorry for the loss of this lady. Condolences to the family.
We are saddened by the passing of both Aunt Jean and Uncle Okie When we were in Lawrence we looked forward to meeting with them at Munchers and HyV and their most recent apartment. The conversations were always lively with memories that were shared. We consider ourselves very blessed to be part of the family. Love, Steve, Chris and Kristy
Sorry for your loss. Jean and Okie were friends of my Mom and Dad for many years. My mom LethaMae worked at the laundry mat for many years.
Jean and Okie Snedeger were best friends to my aunt, Ruby Puckett, and I knew them from that. They were truly nice people. My condolences to the family.
Jean was a wonderful woman. So carring and giving.She always had a smile. I worked with Okie at the gas company for over 20 years. They were such an inlove couple.Jean will be missed.
Bonnie Snedeger’s devotion to genealogy and history will help generations of people looking for final resting locations of their family members. Her work and attention to historical detail was amazing as evidenced by her publication of Complete Tombstone Census of Douglas County Kansas We have that book at the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum and it is very helpful, especially in finding information about little known secluded private cemeteries from the 1800s. It is obvious that she was a caring person and I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to meet her. Our condolences to family.
Saundra Gaines Hiller, Vice President
Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum
I know there’s a dance party in Heaven now that all the friends are reunited. I can hear the laughter and stories being told. All the friends, Jean & Okie, Marian & Jack and Carl & Jerry, gone for us but they are together again.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you.