Bonnie McNeil

Bonnie Virginia (Rowe) McNeil was born Dec. 26, 1924 in Rapid City, S.D., to C. Merle and Ealsa Rowe.

Bonnie loved her family and her life as a military wife. She received her ABA from Cottey College, her bachelor of arts from Yankton College and her masters in theater from the University of Wisconsin.  

She married Robert James McNeil  June 12, 1947 after his graduation from West Point and traveled the world with him until their retirement in Custer 27 years later.    

Bonnie was well-known in Custer, S.D, where she lived from 1974-2001, for her storytelling performances, entertaining listeners of all ages with tall tales, folk tales and legends. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and was a member of PEO Sisterhood.

Bonnie moved to Bend, Ore., after Robert’s death in order to be close to her daughter, Heather, and granddaughter, Jamie Rose.  She loved nothing more than all of her family, always supporting them and enjoying their company.

Bonnie died Nov. 1, 2019. She was 94.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Roderick James McNeil; daughter, Heather Rowe McNeil; grandchildren, Jamie Rose McNeil, Dana (Chris) McNeil and Ryan (Jessica) McNeil;  great-grandchildren, Amelia McNeil, Robert McNeil and Everett McNeil; and brother-in-law, Richard McNeil of Rapid City, S.D.

There will be a private memorial service at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., Nov. 15. 

Memorials can be sent to Cottey College in Nevada, Mo.