Bonnie E. Brenner's Obituary
Bonnie E. Brenner, age 83, of Lorain, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born on April 24, 1942, in Somerset, Kentucky, and graduated from South Amherst High School.
Between the sunrise and sunset of her life lived life itself—and what a life it was. Born, as she often said, “without a pot to pee in,” Bonnie grew into a woman of remarkable spirit: our fashion model, a force to be reckoned with, a true spitfire. She was a survivor and our fierce protector. When times were hard, she found ways—however humble—to make sure her loved ones had enough. She took money from their father when gambling left the family without food. She sold paper grocery bags so that she and her siblings could afford a White Castle hamburger—and on the best days, even French fries. When life at home became impossible, it was Bonnie who wrote to their brothers to ask if the children could stay with them. And once there, Bonnie soared.
In her new environment, she became the “rock star” cheerleader with her own fan club, the girl every little girl hoped to grow up to be. After graduating, and seemingly without means, Bonnie worked tirelessly to become an X-ray technician. She excelled in her career, earning the deep respect of coworkers who admired her compassion, skill, and dedication.
X-raying a “college” football player would become the beginning of her next great chapter. They dated, fell in love, married, and welcomed their sweetest blessings—their baby boys.
Throughout her life, Bonnie wore many hats: wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She embraced each role with extraordinary passion, grace, and devotion. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, the fierce center of her heart. Bonnie was the one people turned to when they felt unloved or misunderstood. As her granddaughter said, “Bonnie was the one who understood me when no one else did.” Others often shared, “Bonnie helped me understand what I needed to do.”
And of course, she remained our fashion model—always elegant, always stunning. She loved clothes and never passed up a bargain she couldn’t resist, especially shoes. Her petite frame only amplified her natural beauty.
This small, petite little lady was larger than life to all who loved her. She dominated our lives with the sheer force of her personality and her love. Though our hearts ache, we know her love will continue to bind us together.
Bonnie enjoyed sewing, bowling, baking and decorating cakes, floral arranging, eating out, and shopping—especially for shoes.
She is survived by her sons, Jarred (Beckie) Brenner and Jason (Jennifer) Brenner; grandchildren, Ethan, Alexis, Darby, and Erin; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Rhett, and Theodora; brother, Milton Branscum; and sister, Shirley (Bill) Whittemore. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Denis Brenner; and siblings, Esteen Burton, Curtis Branscum, Red Branscum, Lois Branscom, and Mary Adkins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Amherst.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Bonnie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be shared at www.dovinreberjones.com.
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