Bonnie J. Parton

Bonnie J. Parton, 89, Topeka, KS, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015. She was born February 27, 1926, in Moline, KS, the daughter of Lawrence Delbert and Zelma Fern (Carter) Terry.

Bonnie graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University.

She spent most of her adult life working as a medical secretary in the Psychiatric field working for several organizations including Topeka State Hospital, The Menninger Foundation, Kansas Children's Service League, and several private practitioners.

Bonnie married Scott Berridge of Holton, KS. They later divorced. She married Richard L. "Dick" Parton, Topeka, KS, in 1961.

Besides Richard, her children and grandchildren, and her many cats she had over the years, the other great love of her life was theatre. She was in many shows for Topeka Civic Theatre and Summer-Winter Theatre starting in the mid 1950's and continuing on into her later life. When she wasn't performing, she and Dick loved to attend. She met Dick during the run of Topeka Civic Theatre's "Guys and Dolls," which they both were cast in. She and Dick were also part of the original cast for Dale Easton's "The Drunkard." (She was "Little Mary" and he was "Simon Slade")

Surviving are her husband: Richard L. Parton of the home; her son from her first marriage, Scott L. Berridge (Candyce Deay-Berridge); her son from her marriage to Richard, Stephen C. Parton; her sister, Alice A. (Terry) Vernon (Gayle Vernon); granddaughters Elizabeth Deay-Berridge (Michael Carmen) and Heather A. Parton; Heather's children and Bonnie's great grandchildren; Jasmine A. Brown and Isaac H. Brown.

Per her wishes, Bonnie was cremated. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, KS 66604.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Civic Theatre, 3028 SW 8th Street, Topeka, KS 66606, to honor Bonnie's memory.

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