Bonnie Belle Bishop

Bonnie Bishop was born October 28, 1932 in Bonesteel, South Dakota and died on August 13, 2026 at the age of 93. Her father was a farmer and her mother a homemaker caring for five children. Bonnie was the fourth of the five children and was the last living from her generation. Bonnie graduated high school as salutatorian and then attended Central College in McPherson, Kansas where she met her husband, Harold Bishop. Bonnie had a teaching certificate and taught elementary school for two years while Harold completed his military service in Korea. They were married September 3, 1954 upon Harold’s return from Korea. Bonnie and Harold moved to both Seattle, WA and Wilmore, KY for Harold’s seminary training and Bonnie worked to help provide for their financial needs. Their first daughter, Cheryl, was born during their time in seminary. Bonnie and Harold moved to Caldwell, KS for their first pastoral assignment where they welcomed their second daughter, Carol. Bonnie and Harold pastored churches in Topeka, Lawrence and Oklahoma City. After retiring and just before Bonnie’s 90th birthday, they moved to the Kansas City area to be closer to family. Bonnie and Harold celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2024 before Harold passed away. They had an amazing love for each other! 

Bonnie may not have been the pastor but she was a true partner in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Bonnie lived her faith daily, loved the Lord deeply and extended gracious hospitality to those around her. Bonnie had a deep love for the Bible that she and Harold would read together every morning for most of their adult lives. In her last years she derived much joy from her family including grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Surviving family: Cheryl Mahoney (Tom), daughter; Carol Rauckman (Kevin), daughter; Sarah Burns (Justin), granddaughter; Rebekah Foye (Taylor), granddaughter; Kathryn Bottelsen (Jared), granddaughter; Grant Rauckman (Katelyn), grandson; Hannah Prichard (Jason), granddaughter; great grandchildren: Robin, Shepherd, Myles, Jesse, Josiah, Alex, Sammy, Eden, Margo, Elle, Colin and Merit.