Emily Jane “Dolly” Bonilla, age 67, of Jefferson City, Missouri., passed away peacefully at her home while in the presence of her family on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary located at 915 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for family and extended family only followed by public viewing from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor Frank Hensley of New Life Christian officiating followed by graveside service and interment at Enloe Cemetery in Russellville, MO.
Dolly was born on August 23, 1955, in Big Rapids, Michigan, a daughter of Charles Russell and Lorane (Peters) Kahl. In her earlier years, Dolly grew up on the family farm in Michigan with her 5 siblings; she was the youngest of 6. They all attended Oakdale Christian High School in Jackson, Kentucky together.
After graduating with the Class of 1973, Dolly attended Valley Baptist Medical Center School of Vocational Nursing in Texas from which she graduated with her LVN in 1976. She spent the next 40 + years dedicating her life to serving others in the nursing field while raising her 5 children as a single mom for most of that time. Dolly had a kind loving spirit and frequently took care of people when they were in need. She would care for others before caring for herself.
When Dolly retired, she became a part of a small community in Raymondville, Texas. It was around this time that she recommitted her life to the Lord, was baptized and began sharing the word of God. She loved being a part of Jim Thornton’s prison ministry, meeting weekly to study and pray with the inmates at Willacy State Jail in Raymondville, TX.
Dolly took time to travel the country to see her children in Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Wyoming, often traveling with her sisters Deby and Gini. They spent time visiting Amish country, the Upper Peninsula with family, traversing natural parks, camping out in Missouri, attending family reunions and experiencing the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky (which she was very excited about). She loved speaking about all her trips, adventures and memories that had been made with loved ones. She was a competitive player of card games and Yahtzee. She enjoyed loving on her cats Mufasa, Ringo and Misty Kentucky Stupid Cat Brat.
She loved and cared for her family deeply and she loved Christ passionately. In the last few years of her life, she had been radically transformed by the love of Jesus and His presence radiated from her. She trusted her heavenly Father to be the Master over her life. The loss of her spirit here on earth is far reaching and felt deeply; she will be greatly missed.
Dolly is survived by: her five children, Christina Juleson (Ray) of Cumming, GA, Lisa Reyes (Ernest) of Harlingen, TX, Joel Reyes, Jr. (Beth) of Wesland, MI, Charles Bonilla of Katy, TX, Lawrence Bonilla of Harlingen, TX, and Paul Bonilla of Honduras; siblings, Gini Kahl, David Kahl (Loretta), Dennis Kahl (Deb), and Deby; and eight grandchildren, Eric, Kendell, Kirsten Riley, Brianna, Ian, Ashton, Dominick, and Sophie.
She is preceded in death by: her parents, Charles and Lorane; and her brother John Kahl.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.