Bonnie Jean Saxton

Bonnie Jean Saxton, age 53, of Shepherd passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at home with her family at her side. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1945 E. Michigan Ave., in Alma. In honoring Bonnies wishes, the family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Listening Ear, c/o Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Contributions will go toward the Child Sexual Abuse Program. Envelopes are also available at Lux Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant. Bonnie was born on Aug. 27, 1953 in Alma, Michigan, the youngest daughter of Russell and Kathryn (Adams) Saxton. Being a tomboy she made the most of growing up on the family farm. Being a gifted scholar, compassionate listener and natural born counselor, she dedicated herself to helping children and families in need. After earning her Masters in Social Work she worked for and established a client centered business in the mental health field and touched many lives. Her greatest love has always been for her family. She considered raising her three daughters her greatest accomplishment and was never happier than when she was surrounded by her grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. Bonnie is survived by her partner, Nate Britting of Shepherd; three daughters, Nicole (Rich) Schmidt of Alma, Katie Ballinger of Shepherd, Courtney (Wesley) Frost of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Chelsie, Kaitlyn, Gavin, Addison, Lucas and a sixth expected in August; one great-grandchild Kyra; her father and step-mother, Russell and LaVonne Saxton of Alma; two brothers, Jim (Carolyn) Saxton of St. Louis, Dan (Brenda) Saxton of Riverdale; two sisters, Sue (John) Ebright of Alma, Jeanette (Chuck) Rodgers of Soldotna, Alaska; three step-sisters Sharon (Jim) Sumner of Rockford, Diana (Paul) Hutchins of Winn, Betty (Dan) Harrison of St. Louis and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her very much. Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and hope you can join them in remembering Bonnie.