Bonnie Dean Pistole's Obituary
Bonnie Dean Pistole of Vermilion, Ohio, entered her heavenly home on May 11, 2026. She was born on June 5, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Rodney and Cora Roberts. Bonnie grew up as an only child in a modest and loving home, cherishing family fishing trips to the Lake of the Ozarks.
Bonnie met her future husband, Richard "Dick" Pistole, in elementary school. They attended North Kansas City High School together, married soon after graduation, and raised three children.
While serving in the Army, Dick was stationed in Japan when their first child, Mikel, was born. Two and a half years later, they welcomed their daughter, Pamela. A decade later, they were joyfully surprised by the arrival of their second daughter, Julie-despite the doctor's early suspicion that Bonnie simply had the flu!
Dick's engineering career led the family across several states, and Bonnie created a warm, welcoming home wherever they lived-South Carolina, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and ultimately back to Ohio.
Bonnie was a devoted mother whose home-cooked meals and loving presence shaped her children's lives. A gifted seamstress, she ran a custom drapery business and skillfully crafted custom clothing pieces for her family. She later worked as a secretary at Vlasic Pickles before launching her own company, Pistole Systems Inc. (PSI Graphics), producing corporate
slide-show presentations.
Bonnie treasured time spent with her mother and growing family, especially enjoying cruises and dining out together. Over the years she also volunteered in several worthwhile charities such as Ronald McDonald House and Giving Dolls. She cultivated a rich social life and maintained friendships far and wide, including her beloved "Flamingo Group" and as a dedicated member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.). Her handmade cards-each one thoughtful and beautifully crafted-remain a lasting expression of her creativity and care.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, Rodney and Cora, and by her son, Mikel Pistole. She is survived by her daughters, Pam Younkin, Julie Roach; her grandchildren, Ryan, Eric, Kelsey, Nichole, and Brandon; and eight great-grandchildren.
Arrangements for a celebration of life will be forthcoming, in accordance with Bonnie's wishes. Memorial donations may be made to P.E.O. to support educational opportunities for women. Visit https://pea-portal.com/donations and include Bonnie's chapter: AU\OH Akron.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center. Online condolences may be left for the family at https://www.dovinreberjones.com
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