Bonnie Lynn Windell, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24

Bonnie Lynn Windell, loving wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24 surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 14, 1954, in Evansville, to Thomas and Carol (Rickard) Scott. She was a graduate of Harrison High School and later went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Evansville. On December 20, 1975, she married the love of her life, Brad Windell. Together, Bonnie and Brad raised five children and built a life filled with family, creativity, adventures, and as many animals as their space would allow. If the space didn’t allow, they built a bigger space! Bonnie had a deep love for animals, especially horses and dogs, but was also known to have goats, hedgehogs, ferrets, short tailed opossums, and sugar gliders.

Nothing brought Bonnie greater fulfillment than being present at home to raise her children, a priority that sparked the creation of her thriving home-based business, Windlewood teddy bears. What started as a way to stay close to her kids and a creative outlet soon blossomed into an international journey, taking her around the world to show and sell her teddy bears. Through her travels, Bonnie embraced the joy of meeting new people, connecting with collectors, and building lifelong friendships across the globe, forever grateful that her art allowed her to see the world while keeping her heart anchored at home.

Bonnie’s gift of singing was a true blessing to those around her, and she faithfully used her voice to help lead worship at Christian Fellowship Church for several years. Her passion for music extended beyond the sanctuary into various other creative ventures, including performing in an opera production at the University of Evansville. In addition to her musical talents, Bonnie was a remarkably gifted painter who truly excelled at anything she set her mind to, bringing natural skill, passion, and artistic elegance to every endeavor.

Bonnie had an adventurous spirit and a passion for seeing the world, carrying with her a deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation in every place she visited. Her travels took her on incredible journeys across the world, including a memorable trip to Iceland to see native Icelandic horses in their natural element, an African safari where she captured stunning photographs of the wildlife, and multiple trips to Europe and Australia where she made lifelong friends. Of all the places she visited, New Mexico captured her heart so deeply that she and her beloved husband, Brad, chose to retire there, surrounding themselves with the Southwestern landscapes, warmth, and culture.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Dan Scott.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Brad Windell of Evansville; five children, Matthew (Emily) Windell of Greenwood, Seth (Kristin) Windell of Santa Claus, Melissa (Ryan) Deeg of Evansville, Natalie (Matt) Lang of Houston, TX, and Sam (Kristen) Windell of Los Angeles, CA; her brother, Bill (Frances) Scott of Pensacola, FL; and by seventeen grandchildren.

Services for Bonnie Windell will be held at a later date. Rainey Funeral Home in Dale has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.raineyfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local animal shelter.