Bonnie Jean Provance

Bonnie Jean Provance, 92, of Lufkin, Texas went to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home. Burial of cremated remains will be held in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas at a later date.

Bonnie Jean Ellis was born in Republic, Missouri on July 31, 1925 to Charles and Lura Delila Ellis. She grew up in Aurora, Missouri then married Ross E. Welch and lived in Wichita, Kansas. In 1959, Ross and Bonnie moved to Independence, Kansas where they raised three daughters. They were married over fifty years. After Ross’s passing, she married her high school sweetheart, Archie Ray Provance. They lived in Aurora until Bonnie was again widowed. She then moved to Lufkin, Texas to be near her daughter Nancy and resided at PineCrest Retirement Community.

Bonnie graduated as an R.N. from the Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri. She loved her profession and was a compassionate caregiver both in her career and personal life. Bonnie was not one to sit idle and enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening, reading, and shopping at Chico’s. Her pies and homemade cinnamon rolls are remembered by many!

Bonnie loved her church and community. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence, the First Christian Church in Aurora, and was cared for by the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, Texas. She was a 50-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and volunteered with the American Red Cross, Hospice Care, MOPS, Girl Scouts and pierced more ears in her kitchen than you could count.

She had a genuine love for children, and especially enjoyed being a Grammie to Denny, Susan, Meghan and Bailey. Bonnie cherished her many friendships which she nurtured throughout her life.

Bonnie Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Ross E. Welch and Archie Ray Provance; brother, Don Ellis; and sister, Betty Joe Kocyan.

Survivors include: Bob (brother) and Bon Ellis, Nancy Westbury, Susan and Paul Murray, Becky and Bill Barr, Patty Ann Sanborn (4 ^th daughter), Denny and Mildred Barr, Susan Barr, Meghan Westbury, Bailey and Sean Baughman (grandchildren), Charlie Barr and Taelan Pope (great- grandchildren), and beloved nieces and nephews.

Bonnie’s family would like to thank PineCrest and Hospice in the Pines for their tender and loving care. Bonnie’s girls want to thank their mother for being "The best Mom ever!"

A Nurse’s Prayer: Let me dedicate my life today in the care of those who come my way. Let me touch each one with a healing hand, and the gentle art for which I stand. And then tonight when the day is done, let me rest in peace, if I’ve helped just one.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.