Bonnie Jean (Richoz) Hileman, 72, passed away Jan. 8, 2022, surrounded by family. She was born March 5, 1949, to Gordon and Dorothy (Bargholtz) Richoz, and joined by a sister, Debra, exactly 5 years later.
Bonnie grew up in the home her dad built in Elgin, IL and graduated from Larkin High School in 1967. She then moved to North Manchester to attend Manchester College, eventually earning a degree in Social Work, which led her to a career serving others including time with the Division of Family & Children, ARC of Wabash County, Peabody Retirement Community, Manchester Early Learning Center, and Cardinal Center.
After moving to North Manchester, Bonnie lived with Minnie Freeman and worked for the Freeman family at The Main View. It was there that she began planting her roots here and eventually meeting her future husband while on shift.
Bonnie married Lenny Hileman in September of 1979. Though they divorced in 1997, together they shared three kids, Rebecca (Billy) Tolson, Meghann (Brian) Foust, and Ryne (Sandra) Hileman; and she loved her bonus daughters, Melissa (Shannon) Carter and Stephanie Hileman, and their families, as her own.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and loved to sing. She gave many hours of her love to the church over the years. After her retirement she stayed busy by volunteering at the North Manchester Center for History and Meals on Wheels. Bonnie was also a member of the American Legion Post 286 Auxiliary in North Manchester.
Bonnie loved to bake and cook, famously having her own special broccoli salad and Bonnie’s Beans, along with trays of goodies at Christmas time and random plates of cookies or brownies she always wanted to share.
She became a Friend of Bill W. in 2006, and, as usual, found more people to love and be loved by. She was eternally grateful for the last 15 years. Along with her kids, Bonnie will be greatly missed by her grandkids and the rest of her family, a long list of friends, and the many others whom she touched.
Family and friends may call Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. The family will be planning an additional memorial in the spring.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Bonnie Jean Hileman, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 243, North Manchester, Daniel’s Place, 113 West Main Street North Manchester, North Manchester Center for History, 122 East Main Street, North Manchester, Blessings in a Backpack, P.O. Box 2, North Manchester, or the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, would be appreciated, but in her honor the family asks you remember her unconditional love by doing something kind for someone else.
The family of Bonnie Jean Hileman has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
To send flowers to Bonnie’s family, please visit our floral store.