BONNIE BELL VENTLE, 73, of Atlanta, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, January 14, 2009, at Wesley Medical Center.

Born on June 5, 1935, a half mile from the Iowa State line, in Clearmont, Missouri, she was the daughter of Ray and Hazel Jamiana Cooksey (Winslow) Savage. She was raised in Troy, Kansas, graduating from Troy High School.

She was united in marriage to Billie Eugene Ventle on November 13, 1955, in Independence, Kansas. The couple had 7 children. At the age of 19, Bonnie drove race cars, tearing the track up in Atchinson and St. Joseph, Missouri. She later worked for numerous local restaurants, including Wyatt's Cafeteria. She was the owner and manager of Mom's Restaurant in Atlanta, Kansas. She retired in 1984. Bonnie was a housewife and mother as well.

Bonnie enjoyed embroidery, bingo, playing slot machines, playing cards and playing Wahoo (Aggrevation).

Her family includes:
Her husband: Billie Ventle of the home;
Her sons: Billie R. Ventle of Atlanta; Eldon E. Ventle and wife, Deborah of Derby; Gary L. Ventle and companion, Carol; and James J. Ventle of Atlanta;
Her daughter: Diana L. Ventle-Moore and companion, Joe of Winfield;
Her half-sister: Donna Preistley of San Antonio, TX;
Her aunts: LaVeda Cooksey and Eli Cooksey;
Her step-mother: Ruby Savage-Beck;
Her 23 grandchildren: Greg, Sonny, Tristan, Kristy, Jeramy, Jake, Erica, Briana, Abby, Treva, Tod, Tracy, Nichol, Crystal, Jonathan, Kevin, Charles, Eldon, Nathan, Crystal, Amber, Kevin and Brionne;
Her 17 great-grandchildren; and
Several Cousins.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Jack D. Ventle, her daughter, Arvirda R. Waigert-Ernsen, and her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Ventle.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Atlanta Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening from 5 to 9 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 6:30 to 8:30 that evening.

A Memorial has been established in Bonnie's name for the Cowley County Fire District #2 First Responders. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.