Bonnie L. Kirby Lalos
Lalos
Bonnie L. Kirby Lalos, 79, died Jan. 14, with her family surrounding her in Bradenton.
She was born Bonnie Lee Kirby, the daughter of Howard A. Kirby and Betty Jane Davis Kirby, Oct. 14, 1941, in Akron, Ohio.
She graduated from Kenmore High School in 1959, where she was a cheerleader. She was a student of Etta Mae Smiths 1945-60 and traveled throughout the country, dancing with her best friend Deloris Carden. She made her way to the Rockettes, checking off her bucket list before marrying.
She also was a Mason Rainbow Girl. She became a banquet manager at several Akron area restaurants, including Anthe’s, Tangiers and Holiday Inn Hudson before relocating to Anna Maria in 1988.
She arrived in Florida and worked at Pete Reynard’s Restaurant until she became a police dispatcher for Holmes Beach Police Department, where she retired in 2013 after 24 years of service.
She always said she loved her job because she could tell the officers where to go and get away with it.
She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, laughter, kindness, tenacity, vitality and positive attitude.
She had a passion for dancing and life.
She was an avid scrapbooker and loved sewing.
She said, “I strived in life to give memories of me to all of you and show how much you were loved. I know it worked because you all gave me so much love back. I was the wealthiest person thanks to all of you. A wealth you don’t have to pay taxes for and a wealth most would pay big bucks to have.”
She was married to Stanley, the love of her life.
A memorial visitation was held Jan. 21. Brown and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations can be sent to Tracey Vita’s School of Dance, 4181 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
She is survived by her daughters Leslie, Leah and husband Will Manson and Lana Lalos Latella; son George T. and wife Leanne; grandchildren Shelby-Gail and Sarahbeth Manson, Niko, Alyssa Latella, Alexa and Mackenzie; sisters Norma Kirby Vidican and Bettylou Kirby Atkinson; brother James “Chip” Linn; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Ruth Estelle Williamson
Williamson
Ruth Estelle Williamson, 98, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Jan. 17.
She was born Feb. 27, 1922, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ernest and Medora Byrd.
As a child she moved from Tennessee to Detroit.
After graduation from Cooley High School, she was employed by Ruthrauff & Ryan Advertising Co.
On April 24, 1943, she married John Williamson.
She lived in Brooklyn, New York, during World War II, holding a secretarial position in the U.S. Army Air Corp. as she awaited the return of her husband from duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.
They eventually returned to the Detroit area, where they raised their family.
In 1983, they moved to Holmes Beach and then settled in Bradenton.
Mrs. Williamson was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria, serving on the board of deacons and as co-chair of the hospitality committee.
She belonged to the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach, where she was past vice president of the women’s association and historian.
She was full of faith, life and laughter.
She enjoyed bowling, golfing, reading and bingo but most of all she loved to dance and play cards.
She had many wonderful friends whom she loved dearly.
Above all, she deeply loved her family.
She was an extraordinary person and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A special thank you to her private nurse Patty and to Tidewell Hospice. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Smile Train or Tidewell Hospice.
She is survived by son John Jr. of Livonia, Michigan; daughter Susan and husband Jerry Strayer of Adrian, Michigan; son David of Lake Orion, Michigan; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.