Bonnie Kay Peterson, born on August, 14th, 1952 in Rock Island, IL, after a courageous journey with vascular dementia, went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, May 22, 2026, in her home at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 29th, 2026, from 4-6pm at Faith Family Church (formerly World Thrust Christian Center) at 12811 US Highway 150, Orion, IL 62173. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 10am at the church. Burial will be in Buffalo Prairie Cemetery, Illinois City, Illinois. A luncheon will be provided at Faith Family Church (formerly World Thrust Christian Center) in Orion, IL.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father & mother, Maynard Peterson and Ruth Peterson of Rock Island, Illinois; and her beloved older sister, Karen Parry of New Hampshire. She is survived by a nephew, Christopher (Kellie) Parry, and great nephew, Brendan Parry and great niece, Allison (Allie) Parry of Massachusetts.

She leaves behind several cousins, countless former students, dear friends who became family, and a lasting spiritual legacy that will continue for generations.

For 36 years, Bonnie—lovingly known to many as “Miss Pete”—taught 8th Grade Social Studies at Rockridge Junior High School. Teaching was never just a job to Bonnie; it was a calling. Before class each day, she would pray and ask the Lord to help her prepare lessons in a way that would “light up” for her students. She cared deeply for her “kids,” believing every student mattered and could succeed. Bonnie also coached the Scholastic Bowl team to banner victories and served as a travel chaperone on many student trips to Washington, D.C., creating memories her students still treasure today.

But above all else, Bonnie loved Jesus.

Her relationship with Christ was the center of her life and shaped everything she did. For more than 40 years, Bonnie faithfully served at Faith Family Church (formerly World Thrust Christian Center) in Orion, Illinois, where she impacted generations of children as Sunday School Superintendent. Through Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, prayer ministry, mission trips, and ladies’ groups, Bonnie poured herself into helping others know and love Jesus.

Bonnie loved music and worship. She sang in choir as a child, performed in a madrigal group as a teenager, and played guitar for church worship. Blessed with a rich, natural alto voice, Bonnie was known to lovingly spend an entire practice perfecting a single harmony note—because giving her best to the Lord mattered to her.

Bonnie also dearly loved her Boston Terriers. Later in life, she joyfully embraced becoming a devoted “cat mom” when her sister passed away in 2020 and entrusted her beloved cat, Baby-Boy, to Bonnie’s affectionate care.

Bonnie was a light and an encouragement to everyone she met. The staff and residents at Friendship Manor often spoke of her contagious laughter, warm spirit, and heartfelt prayers, which she could offer at a moment’s notice. Even in seasons when she herself needed care, Bonnie’s instinct was still to ask, “What needs to get done?” Her servant’s heart never faded.

Though dementia slowly took much, it never stole Bonnie’s love for Jesus. She spoke often of her faith and devotion to her Savior, and that faith endured to the very end. Those who knew Bonnie can rejoice in knowing she has now heard the words she longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)