Bonnie Maxine Kenny
Bonnie Maxine Kenny, March 27, 1926-February 4, 2024.
Bonnie passed away on Feb. 4, 2024, at her home in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in a farmhouse in Plymouth County, Iowa, to Chester and Pearl Philips March 27, 1926. She graduated from high school in LeMars, and then began her 64-year marriage with Tom Kenny on their farm in Akron, Iowa.
In the early 80’s, they purchased land in Montana as they enjoyed the mountains, lakes, rivers and being nearer to their daughters. They always felt blessed to be able to spend summers on Whitefish Lake and winter in Arizona. Many people would often comment that they wanted to be "just like Bonnie with her strong will and determination to stay active and healthy." She was a kind, generous, loving wife, mother and friend. Her many activities included playing tennis, pickleball, golf and snow skiing. Even selected to the senior tennis Olympics in Houston at 80-years old and holes-in-one at Whitefish and Mesa (she was a competitor!). Hiked with friends in the Superstition Mountains and Glacier National Park and at the end of those days would still find time to play cards with friends.
Another accomplishment for Bonnie was obtaining her private pilot's license and was a member of the Ninety-Niners (an organization of Iowa Flying Women Pilots).
Bonnie always had a strong work ethic that she passed on to her children. She helped on the farm, prepared meals, gardening and kept her flowers and yard colorful and well-groomed. After Tom’s passing, Bonnie continued to be involved in the farm operations. Living on Whitefish Lake gave her an opportunity to swim, have fun with her children and grandchildren. The water gave her a sense of joy and tranquility.
Bonnie and Tom enjoyed traveling in their RV as well as in their airplane to all parts of the US, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Their travels also included Europe and Japan. Always up for a new adventure.
Bonnie’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where she volunteered as a pianist and organist. Her happy time included playing her piano and organ in her music room.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Pearl Philips; sister, Dorothy; husband, John Thomas (Tom) Kenny; grandson, Taylor Kenny Rea; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Kay Togiai, Kathleen Ellen Rea (Denny) and Jim (Schueller) Kenny (Diana); five grandchildren, John Togiai, Justin Togiai (Jessica), Mike Kenny (Lynn), Matt Kenny (Bobby Jo) and Mark Kenny (Kenya); seventeen great-grandchildren, Olivia Pearl, Grant Thomas Togias, Isla Sue and Maisie Kay Togiai, Jacob, Anna and Tessa, Lily and Lane Kenny, Hannah, Ramen, Megan, Madelyn, Mallory, Mia Kenny and Morgan, Mark Trevin; as well as a great-great-granddaughter; sister-in-law, Ellen Cornelias; nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends.
A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. on Aug. 3, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, followed by a church luncheon. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to Christ Lutheran Church or Glacier National Park Conservancy.