Bonita L. Grebner Obituary (1927

Bonita Louise Grebner Bonita Louise Grebner, 94, Washburn, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Snyder Village, Metamora, where she was a resident. Born March 16, 1927, in rural Washburn, the daughter of Arthur and Mabel (Winkler) Laible, she married Rudolph V. Grebner April 24, 1952 in Metamora. He passed away March 18, 2017. Surviving are her four sons: Gary (Diane) and Grant (Susan) of Metamora, Stanley (Jan) of Washburn; Steven (Sandy) of Yorkville, and grandchildren Meghan (Brian) Conant; Kristina (Stephen) Rauh; Derek, Collin and Sophia Grebner and Mason Harris; great-grandchildren Hank and Ronan Conant and Hallie Rauh; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was a graduate of Washburn High School and received her teaching certificate from Bradley University. An active member of the Washburn Presbyterian Church and the Washburn Presbyterian Women, she was a Sunday School teacher and church elder. She taught in rural schools until her marriage and served as an election judge for many years. Born a farm girl, Bonnie learned the value of hard work in rural Washburn where she continued the family's farming legacy with her husband, Rudy, and raised their four sons. A devoted farm wife and mother, she took pride in caring for the land and livestock, especially her flock of laying hens, baby chicks, and daily egg gathering. Bonnie's self-proclaimed title was "chief cook and bottle washer" at "Grand Central Station," and she kept her farmers well fed. For many years and long before it was trendy, Bonnie proudly prepared "farm-to-table" meals with all the food being raised and prepared on the farm. She took many meals to the field during planting and harvest and enjoyed hosting annual cider-making with neighbors and friends. She maintained a large garden whose bountiful harvest would feed her family year-round with her laborious canning. Dying Easter eggs around her table was a fond family tradition. Never did a farmer, drop-in guest, stray kitten or bottle calf go hungry under Bonnie's watch. She always made room at her table for everyone at mealtime, and no one ever left hungry. She practiced a "waste not, want not" philosophy long before today's push for minimalism and "reduce, reuse, recycle." Services will be at Calvert and Johnson Memorial Home, Washburn, with public visitation Saturday, May 29, 9 - 11 am, following COVID-19 guidelines. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private 11 am funeral service will be held for family with Rev. Bob DeBolt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midwest Food Bank, 9005 N. Industrial Road, Peoria, IL 61615, or a charity of donor's choice.