Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in the Fishtrap United Baptist Church, Staffordsville, Kentucky

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 and 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Fishtrap United Baptist Church

Burial: Highland Memorial Park, Paintsville, Kentucky

Boneva Reed Stapleton was born on August 22, 1928, in Colvin Branch, Kentucky, the third of eleven children born to Lonza and Beulah Reed.  She was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, Francis Steven "Bus" Stapleton, one daughter, Bonnie Susan Howard, one granddaughter, Sarah Elaine Howard, one sister, Adaline Fannin and four brothers, Herschel Reed, Arnold Reed, Edward Reed and David Reed.  Bonnie joined the Fish Trap United Baptist Church on November 26, 1944.  She was a member for 78 years.

Bonnie married Steve "Bus" Stapleton on April 5, 1946.  Bonnie took pride in the fact that she stayed home and cared for her four children and was a homemaker for 20 years.  She often said that was the most important job she ever had.  As a Mom, she taught her children how to be good citizens, the importance of family and how to love.  By practicing what she preached she taught goal setting and the importance of striving to be one's best, no matter what challenges were faced.

When Sheila started school, Bonnie went to college at Prestonsburg Community College, later she received the Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio State.  She taught elementary students in Central Ohio for 13 years.  When the family returned to Kentucky in 1981, she completed a Masters Degree at Morehead State University and taught in the Johnson County School System for 12 years.  Professionally she devoted her career to teaching elementary school children.  Each child received guidance for optimal academic growth.  Bonnie viewed reading as the foundation for success in life.  In her honor, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating children's books to Flat Gap Elementary School.  This is a gift that will continue to give to society and bring joy to children for years to come.   She retired in 1994.  Donations can also be made to Fish Trap United Baptist Church or Bluegrass Care Navigators.

After her retirement she and Steve continued to enjoy their time together, traveling, golfing, hosting numerous family reunions and outings.  When he died suddenly in 2006, he left her with 60 years of wonderful memories and a supportive and loving family.  She continued to read and study extensively, mastered the ability to successfully and happily live alone and shared her experience with others.  She instilled optimism, a positive attitude, internal strength and perseverance in her conversations with family and friends.  She stressed the value of hope and caring for others, offered support, guidance and keys to opening the pathway during stressful events experienced by family and friends.

In 2015 when Bonnie was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer, she was told without treatment she had only a few weeks to live.  She used all of her "Tools for Living," her daily Bible readings, family love and support along with numerous medical interventions to successfully manage her illness for the next 6 ½ years.

Bonnie's most cherished and valued entity was her family.  Family love and support for one another were superior to all other life interactions.  The one last request that she made was for her family to stay together, continue to have family reunions, visit each other and share love and affection.

In closing, many viewed her as "The Wise Old Owl" as she had either lived through or witnessed whatever problems might be encountered.  She left all of us some very powerful messages.  In medicine these are called "Pearls."!

Study all of the choices, make your decision, then move on!

Always do your best and the world can't beat it!

Find something good or positive in everything, don't dwell on the negative.

Don't give up, keep going, do not be a quitter!

During difficult life circumstances, believe in yourself.

Love your family above all else.

Always keep your Faith!

Bonnie is survived by her three children, Brenda Pappas of Flat Gap, KY, Michael Stapleton of St. Louis, MO, Sheila Trent, (Robert) of Georgetown, KY, six grandchildren, Rebecca Caldwell of Nolensville, TN, Amy Bersuder (Craig) of Saline, MI, Shelley Wells of Johnson City, TN, Carey Casey (Mattey) of St. Louis, MO, Francis Stapleton, Spokane, WA, Molly Thompson (Zach) of Westerville, OH, and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in the Fishtrap United Baptist Church with Sammy Reed and Danny Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Fishtrap United Baptist Church from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 and 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Fishtrap United Baptist Church or Flat Gap Elementary Library by contacting Jones-Preston Funeral Home at 606-789-3501.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mrs. Boneva "Bonnie" Reed Stapleton.