Bonnie (Barnes) Presley

Bonnie Gale (Barnes) Presley, 84, of Centertown, Missouri, passed away on August 27, 2022. Bonnie was born on May 20, 1938 to Troy and Mary Belle Barnes in Fremont, Missouri and attended Fremont High School. In 1955, Bonnie married Jerry Presley, and they raised two children: Nanci and Jeff. Throughout her life, Bonnie has always loved to host and entertain people at her home and was known to friends and family as an accomplished home cook. She was always a first resource for anyone who had questions about how to prepare any meal. She spent summer mornings in the garden, with afternoons working in the kitchen putting up jars of green beans, tomatoes, and salsa, and freezing strawberry jam, and fresh sweet corn. Her love for food intersected her love for travel. She enjoyed visiting new places and trying new restaurants along the way. She was fond of western states and their stark contrast to Missouri, and particularly loved visiting Wyoming, often taking weeks-long trips with her girlfriends. While she loved to travel, she was deeply connected to the hills of Southeast Missouri where she grew up. She loved to tell stories of her childhood, keeping her continually connected to place and instilling a love for the Ozarks in her family. As we say our goodbyes to Bonnie, we are all reminded of her generosity, abundant love, hearty laugh, proficiency with curse words, and ability to keep her family ship afloat. Bonnie is survived by her husband Jerry; daughter Nanci (Steve) Beck; daughter-in-law Kellie Presley; 7 grandchildren: Adrian (Brad) Bell, Andy (Elizabeth) Beck, Jessie (Jason) Moan, Melissa (Dan) Demarest, Jay Presley, Jason Presley, and Aaron Presley; 9 great-grandchildren; sister Barbara Sanders; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, son Jeff Presley, brothers Harold and Joe, and sisters Alta “Willisteen”, Wilma, and Anne. A graveside service will be held at Evaline Cemetery in Fremont, Missouri on September 2nd, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSERMILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636- 3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com