Bonnie Jean Cartwright, 69, died in her Marion home at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Marion, IN. Bonnie was the daughter of the late Calvin and Betty (Watson) Smelser. On May 5, 1994, Bonnie married David Cartwright, and they would have celebrated 22 years of marriage this year on May 5th.
Bonnie was a graduate of Mississinewa High School, and she retired from Indiana Bell after working 30 years as a Facility Assigner. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed baking, photography, knitting, crafts, sewing, being with her grandkids, riding her scooter, spending time with her dogs, and massage therapy. Bonnie loved traveling with her husband and grandchildren to Florida. Traveling with David to Belgium and baking with her granddaughter, Danielle, were special memories for her. She was an honorary member of her daughter’s “Girls Night”.
In 2000, Bonnie began working in the Grant County Child Support office and then went on to be involved in the Grant County Election Administration. She was elected as the County Clerk in November of 2014, took office in January 2015, but then had to resign in June 2015 due to health reasons.
Loved ones Bonnie leaves behind in addition to her husband are her children, Doug (Linda) McCollum, Van Buren, Dusty McCollum, Matthews, and Angi Bone, Fishers; step-children, Chris (Lora) Cartwright, Andrews, A.J. (Angie) Cartwright, Andrews, and Seth (Tiffany) Cartwright, Anderson; 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Doug (Nancy) Smelser, Bloomington, Sharyn (Richard) Sherron, Marion, Lori Smelser, Gas City, Robin (David) England, Bloomington, Rod (Beth) Smelser, Jonesboro; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Also preceding Bonnie in death were her brother, Jim Smelser, and nephew, Justin Smelser.
Family and friends may call from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Services to celebrate Bonnie’s life are at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor David Shepard officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Cemetery in Upland.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to her lifelong friends, Betty Murphy, Karen Parker, and Ginger Drudge, as well as Dr. Michael Williamson, Abby Koontz, and the staff at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Oncology Department for their loving care.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952, or to Cancer Services of Grant County, Tower Suites, 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.