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Bonnie Lou Peterson Ph.D.

1943 - 2015

Bonnie Lou Peterson Ph.D. obituary, 1943-2015, Lawrence, KS

Bonnie Peterson Obituary

Bonnie Lou Peterson, PhD

Bonnie Lou Peterson, PhD passed away on April 8, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Her family was with her when she passed. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM and visitation at 2 PM, Sunday, April 12, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS.

Bonnie Lou was born in Chillicothe, MO on September 9, 1943 to John Leslie and Lucille A (Hyke) Bashor. Her family moved to Kansas City in 1945 when her father was discharged from the US Navy.

Bonnie attended Knott's Elementary School. She graduated from Southeast High School in 1961. She completed her BSN at University of Kansas School of Nursing in 1965.

Dr. Peterson began her nursing career as a pediatric nurse at St. Mary's hospital and then at Children's Mercy Hospital (CMH), Kansas City, MO. She also taught Maternal Child and Pediatrics at Avila College where she introduced the first student clinical experience to nursing students at CMH. While Bonnie was working at CMH as a Nurse Clinician in the Pediatric Fail to Thrive Clinic, she began working on her MSN at KU School of Nursing, receiving her degree in 1979.

In 1980, Dr. Peterson accepted a position as Vice President/Director of Nursing at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Hannibal, MO, a Sisters of St. Mary's Hospital. In 1985, Bonnie accepted a position as Vice President/ Director of Nursing at Children's Mercy Hospital, subsequently promoted to Sr. Vice President of Patient Care Services. While at CMH, she was part of the team that planned a new wing of the hospital and the Kaleidoscope theme for the hospital. She was involved the opening of the CMH South clinics in Overland Park that evolved in an inpatient facility; the participation of CMH in the Research Eagle Air Ambulance; in co-operation of St. Luke's Hospital the establishment of an Neonatal ICU at St. Luke's; and many other innovative hospital services.

Dr. Peterson served as Vice President of Patient Care Services at Trinity Lutheran Hospital and Rehab Center in Kansas City, MO; Vice President of Patient Care Services at The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.

In 1998, Dr. Peterson accepted the position of Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. During her tenure at LMH, the hospital started a Wound Healing Center with Hyperbaric treatment; a hospital based Oncology Center; a Woman's Center at LMH South; participated in the design of the new Emergency Department and many other projects at LMH. Bonnie also enjoyed mentoring her fellow employees and encouraging their professional growth.

In 2004, Bonnie retired from LMH. She began her pursuit of attaining a PhD degree at the University of Kansas, a long time goal. Bonnie received her PhD in teaching and curriculum with a minor in Nursing from the University of Kansas on May 12, 2012. Dr. Peterson then returned to her first love, teaching nursing students. Bonnie taught Leadership, Ethics and graduate level Clinical Nurse Leadership at Washburn University, Topeka, KS from 2007 until retiring in July 2014.

After nine years of friendship, Bonnie married Oscar Peter Peterson, Jr on May 11, 1985, in Hannibal, MO. They were married nearly thirty beautiful years. They enjoyed traveling together and spending time with family and friends. They took a final cruise to the Caribbean in February 2015.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, a daughter Marcie Lynn (Steven) Costello, Whidbey Island, WA.; four sons, Matthew L. (Claudia) Ainsworth, Kansas City, MO, Michael R. Ainsworth, Shawnee, KS, Oscar P. (Lisa) Peterson III, Kansas City, MO and Douglas A. (Robbie) Peterson, Phoenix, AZ; nine grandchildren, Lucia, Rain, Hugo Costello, Liam and Will Ainsworth, Joshua Peterson, Stuart and Derrick Fields and James (Erin) Fidler and great grandchildren , Brandon Fields, Xander and Aaralyn Fidler.

Dr. Peterson's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the LMH Oncology Center, at the LMH Wound Healing Center, the nursing staff at LMH 3 West and the staff at the KU Cancer Center.

The family also wants to thank Dr. Matthew Stein, LMH, and Dr. Gary Doolittle, KU Cancer Center for their superb medical care and their deep caring for Bonnie during her struggles with the disease.

The family would suggest contributions to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center in memory of Dr. Bonnie Lou Peterson.

Bonnie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bonnie Peterson

Not sure what to say?





Merianne Lero

April 21, 2015

Bonnie was an inspiration to me . Her belief in me gave me confidence to pursue my goals. I'm thankful to have known her.
Merianne Lero, MSN, RN

April 15, 2015

Prayers for Bonnie and your family; she was a good person

Kerri Wade

April 14, 2015

I remember Bonnie fondly as a leader and am indebted to her for giving me my first opportunity in pediatric nursing by hiring me at Children's Mercy Hospital.

April 14, 2015

I will miss Bonnie. She was a kind and caring person.
Dave Dempsey

Kerry Lambertus

April 13, 2015

Dear Pete, Marcie, Matt, and Mike,
May togetherness bring you some peace during this time of sadness. The earth lost an amazing woman, great mother, accomplished professional. The heavens gained an angel who'll watch over with wings spread wide...Love to you all.

Simon and Pam Scholtz

April 13, 2015

Pete, we're so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. I am so grateful for the support Bonnie gave me when I came to LMH, and the friendship we enjoyed. May God bless you and the family.

Paul Morte

April 12, 2015

I am much saddened to hear of the passing of Bonnie. As a physician I had the good fortune to work with her for several years. She was a wonderful person- kind, thoughtful,cheerful and capable. I always felt good just talking to Bonnie. My condolences to Pete and family.

Pat Plank

April 12, 2015

Condolences to Bonnie's family. I knew her as a member of the KSNA Board of Directors. She will be greatly missed by our profession, as I'm sure she is by family and friends. May fond memories bring you comfort at this time.

April 12, 2015

To the family of Bonnie: I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's death. She was a lovely person and a wonderful example of strength, grace and professionalism. I knew Bonnie for many years while we were nursing students, as nurses, and as board members on several boards at the KU Med. Center. She was one of those shining examples of the best there is in the practice of nursing and as a mentor. Those who served with her, worked with her, or were guided by her in her administrative roles were truly blessed.

May you feel moments of peace and joy as you remember the beautiful soul of this remarkable woman.

Linda Kohlman

April 12, 2015

Dear Pete, Marcie and all Bonnie's family -
We have lost a wonderful woman who touched the lives of many - personally and professionally. I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss and I pray for strength and peace for all her family and friends.
Cathy Knight

Angella Herrman

April 12, 2015

Bonnie was a phenomenal nursing mentor to me on the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Nurses Association. She exuded professionalism, always had a kind word to say about everyone, and had a smile that could light up a room. She will be truly missed and my condolences are with her family.

Carol Jarvis

April 11, 2015

Dear Pete, Mike, Matt & Marcie,

We were so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. We are thankful to have known such a wonderful person. She was a beautiful lady, good friend and neighbor. God bless you all with peace and comfort during this difficult time. We will always consider Mike one of our family members. Wish we could be there to share some good memories. At times like this we are so thankful for our faith in God and know that when we leave this earth, we return to our Heavenly home. Know that the Jarvis family is thinking of you and you are all in our prayers and we send our love, Carol & Bill

Steve and Chriss Lane

April 11, 2015

Dear Pete,

We are so sorry for your loss. While we didn't know her well, she seemed to be a happy, energetic, engaged and delightful person. You are in our thoughs.

April 11, 2015

Dear Pete and Family:
Sending our deepest condolences. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Fondly,
Jeanne & Steven Catanzaro

April 11, 2015

Bonnie and I formed a friendship through Old Mission Methodist Church in Fairway Kansas. We spent time together during some difficult days when baby Marci and the boys participated in a demanding schedule while she was working so hard and carrying the responsibility of a family alone. I admired her so much then and am so sorry our world has lost such a radiant, special person. She truly made a difference and left an enduring legacy for so many.

Best Wishes to all....Maggie Mistler-Welsh

Kelly Le

April 11, 2015

Bonnie is a wonderful, loving, and beautiful being inside and out. She is one of the strongest person I know and there is always a smile on her face. She is now in happiness and in peace with Jesus. I am glad to be sure that we can all see her again one day.

April 11, 2015

Dear Pete and Family: I am saddened with you and for you. What a wonderful woman she was. I have always felt privileged and blest to know Bonnie and call her a very special friend. And of course, a special blessing knowing you through your most beautiful wife, mother and Grandmother. Please know that I keep you all in my heart and prayers. I regret that I will not be able to attend her funeral tomorrow. I so wish I could be there. Take care and God Bless each of you as you mourn your loss. Love, Sister Jacinta

Wade and Susan Delfrlder

April 11, 2015

Marcie,
Our condolences to you and your family.

April 11, 2015

Dear Pete and Family:
Jerry and I send our most heartfelt condolences to all of you for the loss of your dear Bonnie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru these truly difficult times. She was one loving, smart and talented lady who will be missed.
Love,

Sandy and Jerry

Wayne & Jean Parker

April 11, 2015

Bonnie was a good friend and old neighbor. We are so sorry to hear she passed. We loved her dearly.

Maureen Guth

April 10, 2015

I am so saddened to read of Bonnie's passing. Sending love to Pete & the kids. We are out of town for a family funeral.

Eleanor Nelson

April 10, 2015

I am so saddened to hear the news of Bonnie's death. We were classmates in the BSN program at KUMC. Bonnie has distinguished herself as an outstanding nurse and health care leader and I am sure I speak for our entire class in saying how very proud we are of her. She will be greatly missed.
Eleanor Nelson
Class of 1965

Carrie Curry (Walsh)

April 10, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was such a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of her. May God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Karen Roberts

April 10, 2015

Bonnie was such a great role model and unfailing cheerleader. She will be missed. May all who knew her find peace and joy in their memories of her.

John & Kay Doubleday

April 10, 2015

Our Dear Pete & Family;

We were soooo saddened to learn of Bonnie's passing! She put up a courageous battle with dignity! We shall cherish our many get togethers over the past several years!! She accomplished many of her dreams and goals in life.....May She Rest in Peace.

Wishing Comfort, Peace, & Blessings during this very difficult time.

Love & Hugs,

Gary&Mae Ainsworth

April 10, 2015

Sorry for your loss.

Rita Clifford

April 10, 2015

Dear Pete and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. I have known and admired Bonnie since her time in the BSN program at KU in the 1960s. She will be missed.

Scott Overfield

April 10, 2015

Neighbor, friend and surrogate Grand parent to my children you will be greatly missed. Sorry to see you go Bonnie, with much love and admiration. Scott Overfield and family

Thanksgiving - 2014

April 10, 2015

Pete, Mike, Matt, Marcie & families...our thoughts and prayers are with each of you today. Bob(Pops)& Cindy

April 10, 2015

Love forever and eternally, precious, precious, friend!
The Dock Sea Crew

Monica Scheibmeir

April 10, 2015

Bonnie, the CNL students were greatly saddened by your passing. Your legacy of leadership and empowering those you teach will live on.

John & Kay Doubleday

April 10, 2015

Our Dear Pete & Family;

We were Sooo saddened to learn of Bonnie's passing! What a courageous battle she fought with such dignity. Bonnie accomplished her many dreams and goals of life......May She Rest in Peace.

Wishing Comfort, Peace, & Blessings at this very difficult time!

Love & Hugs to all,

April 10, 2015

Dr. Peterson's many accomplishments set a wonderful example to continue to strive for excellence and service to others. A devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she will be surely be missed not only by family but also all those who knew her professionally and personally. Under God's Kingdom by means of Jesus we have the hope of seeing her again during the resurrection (Jo 5:28). Please accept my sincere condolence. - Andrew

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Apr

12

Visitation

2:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS

Apr

12

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS

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