Bonnie (Shaw) Frazer

Bonnie Shaw Frazer

86, passedaway peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 18 with family at her side. Bonnie was bornMay 30, 1931 in Canistota, South Dakota to Hazel and Beryl Butler Shaw. Herfamily moved to northern Indiana in 1943. Following graduation from RooseveltHigh School in Monticello, IN she went to Indiana State University where shegraduated with a degree in Elementary Education. During her time as a studentthere, she met Bob Frazer and they married on June 29, 1952, shortly aftergraduation. They relocated to Indianapolis, IN where Bonnie taught second gradeat IPS #9.

During the1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s Bonnie and Bob were devoted to raising their family offive children: Shawna, Laura, Jean Ann, Jim, and Sarah. She was very active inIPS #91’s PTA and was also a substitute teacher and Girl Scout leader. She instilled her love of education, andespecially reading, in all her children. She oversaw homework assignments, pianoand other instrumental practice, and numerous arts and crafts projects. Bonnieand Bob were kept very busy attending many concerts, sporting events, and otheractivities of five very busy children. Somehow she also found the time toreturn to school, earning a Master’s Degree in Education from ButlerUniversity.

As theFrazer children grew older, Bonnie returned to her beloved teaching career.First she taught kindergarten at IPS #66 and many years later finished hercareer teaching second grade at IPS #110. During this time she served as avolunteer for the Indiana Literacy League and continued with a busy family lifewhich ultimately included thirteen grandchildren, all of whom adored her! WhileBonnie’s priority was her family, she also made time for reading, traveling,and participating in church-related activities. After retirement from IPSBonnie was an avid volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital and also taught English asa Second Language and Citizenship classes at North Central High School’s J.Everett Light Career Center. She was a member of Meridian Street UnitedMethodist Church. Everyone who met Bonnie was immediately impressed by herfriendliness, openness, and love of conversation!

Bonnie issurvived by her children: Shawna Frazer-Klopfer (Tibor), Laura Peters (Brian),son-in-law Dr. Larry Behney (Zhongfong Wu), Jim Frazer (Kathy), and SarahSullivan (LTC John Sullivan, Ret.). Mom was very proud of her grandchildren:Ben (Jes) and Jon Klopfer, and Elizabeth Wertz (Will); Daniel Peters and EricaSanford (Dana); Monica Gamble (Barry) and Allie Wendorf (Jeff); Stephen(Brittany) and Erin Frazer (fiancé John Meyers), and Emily Frazer-Smith (Ryan);and Daniel and Anna Sullivan. She was especially proud of her threegreat-grandchildren, Amanda, Apollo, and Lula. She leaves behind a brother,Gray Shaw (Sally) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bonnie was predeceasedby her parents, husband Bob, daughter Jean Ann Behney, sister Mary MaxineOates, and also by infant grandsons, Lucas Behney and Jacob Sullivan.

ACelebration of Life will be held at Flanner Buchanan- Washington Park North onThursday, October 26, with visitation at 3:00 p.m. followed by a service at4:00 p.m. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers,donations to The Jean Ann Behney Endowment Fund would be appreciated. Formswill be available at Bonnie’s Celebration of Life.