Bonnie Lou Shake

Bonnie Lou Sargent Shake, 71, departed this life for one with the redeemed on May 30, 2009. She was born Feb. 3, 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin to Fred and Ila Sargent. She attended school in Madison, graduating from West High. On June 7, 1957, she married the love of her life, Roy Shake. In time, they moved to Texas where she attended Abilene Christian University and made Abilene their home.

Bonnie’s life revolved around people. She especially loved children, and found her calling in rearing her six children, operating a home day care, mentoring young mothers, teaching special needs kids at Bonham, Thomas, and Woodson schools, and delighting in the accomplishments and milestones of her eleven grandchildren (who will greatly miss “Memaw”). For over 29 years, Bonnie and Roy were also beloved foster parents to more than 100 children through Christian Homes of Abilene (during which time the Shake family was honored as the Abilene Family of the Year in 1982).

Although small in physical stature, Bonnie was a giant in service to many people. This joyful, selfless and faithful woman of God invested her time in others and was well-known for her servant heart, hospitality, home-cooked meals, and delicious rolls. Bonnie would best be described as: “fun sized”, a “go-getter”, adventuresome, an encourager, an optimist, and a wonderful Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her life taught us to trust God, love unconditionally, and put others before one’s self.

Bonnie loved to cook, work in her garden, exercise, camp, travel, and spend time with family. Her smile was infectious and people were drawn to her like a magnet. She will be greatly missed by her family and a multitude of friends. She definitely left a legacy of love.

Bonnie was an active member of the South 11th and Willis Church of Christ and a charter member of the Foster Parents Club and Women for Christian Homes of Abilene. Over the years, she was actively involved with: PTA, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Little League, classroom mom, teaching “When Grandma Goes Home” classes to new moms, leading Bible classes, Hospice and much more.

Bonnie Shake was preceded in death by her parents, Survivors include her husband Roy, children Roger and wife Susan and their children Elliott, Nelson and Bennet; Dan and wife Deonna and their children Bryson and Denae; Linda Allen and husband Kevin and their children Kameron and L’nae, Gary and wife Lisa and their children Haley and Garrett, Tim and wife Shelley and their children Marshall and Drew, daughter Misti Shake, and brother Dale Sargent. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Bonnie Shake to benefit Sam’s Place, a home for deaf orphans in Kenya, Africa. These may be mailed to South 11th and Willis Church of Christ, 3309 S. 11th St., Abilene,TX 79605.

Special gratitude is extended to Dr. Victor Hirsch, Hendrick Hospice, the faculty of Brentwood Christian School in Austin, and Bonnie’s family of faith at the South 11th and Willis Church of Christ.

A visitation for Bonnie is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 5-7 PM at the Piersall-Benton Funeral Home located at 733 Butternut St., Abilene, TX 79602 and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Hillcrest Church of Christ located at 650 E Ambler Ave. Abilene, TX 79601.