Bonita Marlene Allen, 84, of Lawson, passed away on July 10, 2020.

Bonita was born July 21, 1935, in rural Smithville to Warren Lloyd and Hilda Marie (Marshall) Allen. She went to Northwest Missouri State University and received her master’s degree in teaching. Bonita started her teaching career at Riverside and eventually changed to Liberty schools in Liberty and retired there in July 1989.

When Bonita was 9, she started going to Elmira Baptist Church and eventually became a lifelong member.

She is survived by her sister, Dixie Johnson of Lawson; nine nieces; six nephews; 16 great-nieces; 12 great-nephews; and lots of great-great-nieces and greatgreat-nephews.

Bonita was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Rex Allen; sister, Ellen Riddle (Yogi); sister, Georgia Haag (George); and one great-niece.

Graveside services for Bonita were held at 10 a.m., July 15, 2020, in Prairie Ridge Cemetery in Polo.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution in Bonita’s name be given to the Elmira Baptist Church, 33038 James St., Lawson, MO 64062.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel.