Bonita (Bonnie) Joan Tomberlin Tyson, 71, passed away Dec.26th at
Great Bend Health & Rehab. Born in Great bend, KS on Nov. 23, 1949
she was the daughter of CJ & Lorraine (Achatz) Tomberlin who passed
away when Bonnie was 10. CJ then married Helen Mae (Berscheidt)
Tomberlin. Bonnie graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1967, and
later with a Bachelor's degree from St. Mary's of the Plains (Dodge
City) 1971 with band and choir, and Masters degree from Ft. Hays State
University in K-12 Administration. Bonnie married Eric Tyson on Nov. 26,
1977 in Ellinwood, KS at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bonnie and Eric
lived in Otis, KS for 19 years before moving back to Ellinwood for the
last 24 years. Mrs. Tyson taught music and was a building principal for
over 41 years. She loved to teach and was very active in church
activities at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood. She taught in
Highland, La Crosse, Bazine, Hoisington, Otis-Bison, Chase/Raymond,
Claflin, Larned, Larned Sacred Heart, and Ellinwood St. Joseph. Bonnie
passed her love of music to her daughter where they sang many duets and
played their instruments in many community bands. She taught private
piano, instrumental, and vocal lessons. She also shared a love of
animals, crafting, cooking, traveling, and entertaining.
Survivors include Husband, Eric Tyson; Daughter Nora (Andrew) Tyson;
Siblings, William (Bill) (Jane) Tomberlin; Nieces and Nephews Tammy
(Alex) Salazar, Tiffany Tomberlin, TJ Tomberlin, Ronnie Sue (Steve)
Church, Chonita (Philip) Nigus, Kristen (John) Menkveld. Other survivors
include AJ Salazar, Shayla & Shania Church, Ethan Nigus, &
Abbie & Ellie Menkveld.
"Welcoming me with open arms to the Lord on the day of my passing is my
handsome baby boy Mark, my parents CJ and Lorraine Tomberlin, Stepmom
Helen Mae, In-Laws Sam and Mary Lou Tyson, Sister-In-Law Barbara Sunley,
and Nephew Alex Salazar."
There will be a private inurnment at a later date at Lakin-Comanche
Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. A Rosary is scheduled at St. Joseph Catholic
Church at 3:00 PM on January 8th, 2021. Memorials are suggested to St.
Joseph Catholic School (music dept.) in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box
246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.
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