May 2, 1943 – April 29, 2023
Bonnie Louise Drayer, 79, Sheridan, passed away on Saturday afternoon, April 29, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Born on May 2, 1943, in Terre Haute, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Wayne and Jennie (Hodson) Anstead.
She was a 1961 graduate of Southwestern High School in Lafayette. She worked as an Underwriter’s Assistant for State Auto Insurance and retired after 20 years with the company.
Bonnie was theatrical from a young age; she took both vocal and piano lessons and developed a love for performing in plays and musicals during her younger years. As an adult, she continued playing the organ for her own enjoyment.
She was a woman of strong faith and a member of the Sheridan First Christian Church, where she was active in Morning Glories. She was also a member of the North Adams Extension Homemakers, as well as the Sheridan Young Farmers Club (back in the day). Bonnie’s love for horses and enjoyment of riding also led her to become very active in the Lafayette Saddle Club.
There was nothing more important to Bonnie than her family. She shared her love of crafting and quilting with friends and family and was very proud to be able to make quilts for all her grandchildren.
Bonnie is survived by her two sons, Jeffery A. “Jeff” Drayer (Keri) of Sheridan, and Russell W. “Rusty” Drayer (Kimberly) of Greenfield; daughter, Lori L. Tindall (Rob) of Sheridan; eight grandchildren, Samantha Easton (Ian), Kerstin Stewart, Kayla Stewart, Joseph Hillman, Travis Drayer, Jacob Drayer, Owen Drayer, and Molly Drayer; three great-grandchildren, Lydia Mae Jones, Luna Armstrong, and Lyla Armstrong; sister, Barbara Hubler (Randy) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and by her feline BFF, Crackers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Jennie (Hodson) Anstead; and by her grandson, Benjamin Drayer.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Elder Sharon Wilson will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Ben Drayer Memorial Fund. Donations can be made online at cicf.org/drayer-memorial-fund.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com