Death of Bonnie Louise Young

Bonnie Louise Young passed peacefully to her rest on Monday, July 12, 2021, at the age of 96. She was surrounded by loved ones at her daughter’s home in Springboro, Ohio, where she had been happily residing for the past few years. Bonnie lost her husband of 60+ years, Stephen W. Young, in 2009. They will lay side by side at Rose Hill Cemetery until the Resurrection.

Bonnie was born in Joplin, Missouri, to Oscar and Ida Hohlier on Oct. 2, 1924. She had two adoring older brothers, Bud and Truman. She met and married Steve, a youthful Private First Class returned from WWII, at her home church in Joplin.

Steve and Bonnie both graduated from Walla Walla College in Washington state, received master's degrees at other Universities, and went on to serve the Seventh-day Adventist Church educational system for many years. They traveled the world as called beginning at Sunnyvale Adventist Academy, Missouri. Next was Battle Creek Academy, Michigan, back to Walla Walla Valley Academy, Washington, then Malamulo Mission, Malawi, Africa. Home from abroad it was on to Adelphian Academy, Holly, Michigan, and finally Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Bonnie taught physical education, home economics and bookkeeping. In Malawi she was the hospital bookkeeper.

Berrien Springs was the home of their fruit farm “Glorious Gems.” In Berrien she was a realtor and travel agent, which facilitated recreational global wandering. Bonnie and Steve had three beloved daughters, named so their initials spelled Joy, Toy and Gay. Bonnie was a wonderful mother and her talents and interests were many. Her financial savvy and advice were often sought. An excellent seamstress she made her children beautiful clothing and later numerous handsome quilts. New babies were gifted crocheted blankets. As an artist she painted china and florals. She enjoyed antiquing and collected many a pretty object. Her hospitality was legendary—she could serve a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. A capable and creative organizer, Bonnie was known to put on amazing events. This especially graced retirement when wintering in Desert Hot Springs, California, for 20 years.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Judith O. Young Klein and her husband Ronald, of Springboro, Ohio, and Twyla O. Young Wall of Berrien Springs (husband David W. Wall, deceased). Her youngest, Gloria A. Young Hippler of Berrien Springs, passed away in 2014. Gay’s husband, Jim Hippler, remains close to the family. Bonnie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. There are seven of each: Tonya Hippler Snyder, her husband Chris and two sons, Max and Monty, of Berrien Springs; Jason Hippler, his wife Erica, and their two daughters, Nevaeh and Hevanna of Berrien Springs; Stephen Klein, Kelly Robinson and their daughters, Nora and Teresa of West Carrolton, Ohio; Reeve Wall and his wife Sarah Heintzelman of Calhoun, Georgia; Michael Klein of Denver, Colorado; Janelle Klein Dekdebrun and her husband Jason of Denver, Colorado; the last grandchild, Kelsey Wall Hahn, her husband Nick and son Brayden of Berrien Springs.

Bonnie had a long, blessed and adventurous life. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Messages and memories may be shared online at allredfuneralhome.com.