Bonnie Hayter

(From Parker Mortuary)

The family of Bonnie Nichols Hankins Hayter, deeply regret the passing of their mom and grandma, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, in the comfort of her home at the age of 93.

Bonnie was born on September 28, 1928, in Quapaw, Oklahoma to the late Charles and Dora Nichols. She lived in the Quapaw, Fairland and Miami area during her childhood. 

Bonnie married the love of her life Billy Earl Hankins on June 20, 1947. They lived in the Miami area until moving to Fidelity, Missouri in 1963. Together they owned and operated Bill and Bonnie's Grocery and Gas Station. They closed the station in October of 1977 and Bonnie went to work at Pillsbury, retiring in 1989, to care for her husband. Bonnie cared for Bill and was at his bedside when he passed on December 5, 1989. 

She kept herself busy with her flowers and yard work. The summer of 1991, Albert Hayter brought her tomatoes and the romance began. They were married on January 5, 1991. Al and Bonnie stayed busy with church activities and visiting shut-ins. Al became ill and passed in September of 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; three children, Donald, Dana and Pam; three brothers, Clifford, Max and Herman; and two sisters, Gladys Jackson and Betty Roberson.

Bonnie is survived by her three children, Connie Cook of Webb City, David Hankins of Joplin and wife, Beverly and Julie White and husband, Bill, of Clever, Missouri; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; eighteen great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Memorial services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Forest Park Baptist Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.