Bonnie Francis DeFries
Bonnie passed away comfortably in her sleep on October 17, 2022.
Bonnie was born on July 25, 1943 to Larry and Irene Leatz of Stevensville, MI. She spent
the first few years of her life in Stevensville until her family relocated to Ft. Lauderdale,
FL, where she graduated from Stranahan High School. After high school, her family was
relocated back to Stevensville, where she married her husband Alan of 59 years. They
spent many happy years together at their “Bonanza” house where that had 2 wonderful
children, Scott and Beth.
Bonnie enjoyed working at many places over the years, such as Landis Clothing,
Meskimen’s Gifts, and DK Boutique. She had a zest for life, kind heart, loved everyone she
met, loved her family, and making memories at their Van Auken Lake cottage.
Bonnie is survived by her husband Alan, her brother Larry (Darlene) Leatz of Valparaiso,
IN, her sister Donna Cayo (Roger) of Greeley, CO. Children; Scott DeFries (Cheri) of
Stevensville, MI, Beth Childs (Tim) of Aurora, CO. Grandchildren; Danielle DeFries of
Stevensville, MI, Ashley Carlson (Trevor) of Benton Harbor, MI, and Austin DeFries of
Colorado Springs, CO.
Memorials can be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Bonnie’s Memory
Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Posted On: Thursday, October 20, 2022 2:26 PM
