Bonnie Jean Waite-Harris was born on Jan. 2, 1931, to Harland and Violet (Lowder) Riley, in Council Bluffs. She spent her early childhood in Missouri Valley, then moved to Dunlap, before settling in Woodbine. She graduated from Woodbine High School in 1948. Bonnie was united in marriage to Dwane Waite in 1950. To this union three children were born, Jim, Cheryl, and Carolyn. Following Dwane’s passing, Bonnie found companionship once again and married Bill Harris in 2014. Bonnie took on many different roles of work including the courthouse, Perfection Form, a devoted farm wife, Payless Cashways, and retired working for the City of Woodbine.
Bonnie possessed remarkable talent with a needle and thread. An accomplished seamstress with an eye for perfection, she took great pride in every stitch she made. She lovingly created countless keepsakes for family and friends that will continue to be treasured for generations. Her exceptional skills were even recognized beyond her hometown when she altered uniforms for the Nebraska cheerleaders during the early 1980’s. Bonnie was an extraordinary baker and found joy in gardening and canning. She was also an avid walker who embraced each day with determination and energy. A faithful member of the Woodbine Christian Church, Bonnie lived her beliefs through kindness, perseverance, and quiet service to others. She was a woman of remarkable strength and gifted in so many ways.
Bonnie died on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Hansen House in Harlan, at the age of 95 years, five months, and 25 days.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Dwane Waite in 1991 and Bill Harris in 2017; twin brothers, Bob and Bill Riley; and sister, Pat Brooks. She is survived by her children, Jim Waite and his wife Maureen of Sergeant Bluff, Cheryl and her husband Joe Book of Woodbine, and Carolyn and her husband Kevin Lambert of Johnstown, Colo.; grandchildren, Angie (Pete) Apple and their son Alex, Jennifer Lambert and her children Keyan and Malakai, Katie (Jacob) Viktor, Brett (Kimberly) Book and their children Hallie, Brynlee, and Emily, Brian (Ashley) Book and their children Charlie and Clara; and many other relatives and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hansen House and Myrtue Medical Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness and dignity they provided to Bonnie. The family also extends special thanks to Pastor Chuck and Karen Snow for the wonderful Christian love and friendship they shared with mom.
Memorial donations may be made to the Woodbine First Christian Church or the Woodbine Food Pantry.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Woodbine at 10:30 a.m. There will be a visitation on Friday evening at Fouts Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Bonnie’s final resting place will be at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Fouts Funeral Home. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
