Bonnie Lee Carpenter

August 20, 1940 - February 17, 2022

FAIRFIELD- Bonnie Lee Carpenter, age 81, of Fairfield, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Brookdale of Adrian under the care of Hospice of Lenawee with her family by her side. Bonnie was born on August 20, 1940 in Lodi, Ohio. She was the oldest daughter of Laurel and Nellie “Fern” (Hicks) Runals. Bonnie graduated from LaGrange High School in Ohio, with the Class of 1958. After graduation, Bonnie trained to be a flight attendant at the National School of Aeronautics in Kansas City, Missouri. On November 26, 1959, Bonnie married Benjamin D. Carpenter in Lorain, Ohio. They were blessed with 61 years together of love, farming and many memories before Ben’s passing on December 4, 2020. Bonnie worked at Adrian College for over 15 years and truly enjoyed her time in the food services department. She was one of the original “lunch ladies” working at Ritchie dining hall serving meals to the students, driving the AC catering bus to events and creating master pieces out of fresh vegetables that were used at many college functions. For many years, Bonnie was a member of Fairfield Baptist Church and belonged to the Fairfield Garden Club. She collected cookbooks and loved to try out new recipes on her family. Bonnie loved her family and cherished her title of grandma. She would often leave little messages for her grandchildren to find after she cleaned their rooms. Bonnie is survived by her children, Betty Jo (Andy) Zenk of Jasper and Brian Carpenter (Doug Reed) of Toledo, OH; grandchildren, Ryan Zenk, Alex Zenk, Nick Zenk and Kathryn Zenk; siblings, Paul (Linda) Runals and Donna (Mike) Andrey; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben; brother, Harold Runals; and sister-in-law, Carol Runals. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 12 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian. A “memory service” will start at 1 p.m. to allow family and friends to share stories about Bonnie.. A live streaming of the service will be accessible from Bonnie's tribute wall on www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com where a link to view the recording will be available for 90 days. Following the service, Bonnie will be laid to rest at Fairfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.