LaVonna D. "Bonnie" Link, 88, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 6:11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Millers at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

She was born on January 21, 1936, in Greene County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Roy G. and Sarah "Anna" (Livingston) Workman.  Growing up in Greene County, she graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1954.  Continuing her education, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Lutheran School of Nursing in Fort Wayne.

For over 20 years, she worked as an Obstetrics Nurse at the Whitley County Memorial Hospital.  She then worked another ten years as a private care nurse.

With an open and caring heart, she adopted and raised three daughters, telling them they "did not grow under my heart but grew in it."  Living her caregiver personality, her home was always open to others and pets.  She enjoyed singing to her daughters on long car trips, making the time fly by.  When the grandkids came along, they became her focus and joy.  Her Pomeranian dog Peppy held a special place in her heart.

She was always actively engaged, whether it was the latest fad diet, making crafts at home, gardening, or donning her BINGO shoes for a night at the Eagles Club. She was always on the go. She enjoyed chewing gum, and she had over 80 packages stashed in her nursing home room. She was a member of the First Church of God and a former member of Delta Theta Tau.

Surviving are her children, Kimberly A. Link of Bloomfield, Teresa (David) Watkins, and Melesa "Lesa" (Daniel) Banning, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Shannon (Derek) Eads, Jessica (Robert) Patton, Derrick (Whitney) Link, Timothy (Tina) Tyler, Kenneth (Mariah) Tyler, Nathan Banning, Jared Banning, Christopher (Nicole) Bogner and Brenden Bogner; 21 great-grandchildren; and a brother, James (Marie) Workman of Linton.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Emma Lou Ziegler, her sister June Foster, a brother, David Workman, and great-grandsons Kenneth Link, Hunter Link, and Hayden Link.

The funeral service is at 2 p.m. Saturday (June 8th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is from noon until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Bonnie's honor are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.