Bonnie Rose

Bonnie Lee (Smith) Rose, a devoted Christian, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, esteemed educator, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at the age of 94, at Legacy House in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Born on October 3, 1930, in the family farmhouse on Garfield Table near Arnold, Nebraska, Bonnie was the cherished daughter of Mynor and Cecil Smith and loving sister to Don, Bobbie, and Max. Growing up during the Great Depression, she experienced a joyful childhood marked by her family's resilience and hard work. She fondly recalled selling eggs door-to-door in North Platte as a child, embodying the resourcefulness she learned in her early years.

Bonnie graduated from Arnold High School in 1947 and pursued higher education at Kearney State Teachers College. Her teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse back on Garfield Table, where she ignited a lifelong passion for education.

In 1952, Bonnie married Ron Rose and relocated to Riverside, California, where Ron was stationed as a sergeant at March Air Force Base. That same year, she began teaching in Riverside area secondary schools, ultimately leaving an indelible mark with her work at John W. North High School. From North High’s inception in 1965 until 1992, Bonnie was instrumental in developing innovative curricula that integrated work experience in fields such as medical services, childcare, and hospitality, as well as preparation for marriage and family life. Her pioneering efforts contributed to a significant shift in the focus of Home Arts education and School Improvement Programs throughout Riverside Unified School District. In recognition of her dedication and innovation, Bonnie was honored as the California State Home Economics Teacher of the Year in 1977.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bonnie was known for her fun-loving, witty, sometimes silly, and infinitely kind presence in the classroom. She was the memorable teacher who positively changed countless lives, inspiring students with her generosity, compassion, and warmth.

Bonnie's unwavering faith in Christ was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her through both joyous and challenging times. She instilled this deep faith and a servant's heart in her three children—Dirk, Robin, and Derek—who always felt the security of her unconditional love. Her faith provided strength during difficult seasons, most notably when her son Dirk succumbed to cancer in 1992.

After Dirk's passing, Bonnie moved to Las Vegas to be closer to her son Derek and eventually his family. Her life in Las Vegas continued to revolve around family, and faith. She lived with Derek, his wife Sofia, and their children Riley and Gabriela, finding immense joy in the details of their everyday lives from homeschooling, taxiing to and from activities, attending competitions, performances and enjoying family meals around the table. Bonnie also traveled extensively with both Derek and Robin's families, exploring the United States, and abroad including memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. Bonnie spent many summers in Arnold where Robin and her kids, Zoe, and Brody, visited to experience the pleasures of small-town life with ‘Nana.’ She was the heart of the family, always offering understanding, a listening ear, and an encouraging word, plus laughter, joy, and wisdom.

Bonnie loved big band and crooner music and had a particular fondness for See's candy. Her culinary skills were unparalleled, especially her baking, which brought delight to family and friends alike. Her favored family recipes will endure through generations. She treasured her church family wherever she lived and her Pastor and his wife, Rudy, and Sabrina, from His Redeeming Grace Church of Las Vegas, as well as her dear friend, Linda, were by her side as she went to be with her Lord.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Robin Rose (Tom) Harness of Riverside, CA; son, Derek (Sofia) Rose of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Zoe Rose (Michael) Szabo of Clover, SC; Brody (Autumn) Harness of Las Vegas; Gabriela Rose of Las Vegas; Riley Rose Midshipman 1st Class of Annapolis, MD; great-grandson J.T. Szabo and another great grandson due any day; brothers Max (Joan) Smith of Arnold, NE, and Bobbie Smith of Gothenburg, NE; sister-in-law Mildred Smith of Arnold, NE; and numerous beloved Smith relatives in Nebraska and Rose relatives in California.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dirk Rose; her parents, Mynor and Cecil Smith; Ron Rose; and her brother, Don Smith.

Bonnie's legacy of faith, loving service, dedication to education, and most importantly her unconditional love of family will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.

A memorial service will be held on April 12th, 2025, 11:00 am (Central Time) at the Arnold Methodist Church 403 N. Walnut St. Arnold, Nebraska 69120. The services will also be available via livestream through www.govierbrothers.com website.

Bonnie was generous to philanthropic causes and the family requests that any Memorial contributions in Bonnie’s name be made to the Arnold Community Foundation Fund by mailing P.O. Box 131. Arnold, Nebraska 69120 or by visiting https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/arnold-community-foundation-fund/. For ordering flowers, please call 1-731-412-7176, Dahlial Valley Ranch.