Bonnie J. (Sterling) Routson

Beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Bonnie Jean (Sterling) Routson, 89, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at her home in Findlay, Ohio on September 3, 2021. Bonnie was born in North Baltimore, Ohio on March 31, 1932 to the late John and Mabel (Wheeler) Sterling. Bonnie married Robert J. Routson in 1951 and they later divorced.

Known in the Sterling clan only as “Sis”, Bonnie had four brothers who all predeceased her, James, Robert, Thomas, and Marvin. She is survived by her five sons, Robert (Ellen), Reginald (Barbara), Gregory (Susan-deceased), James (Kimberly), and Todd.

Bonnie adored her sons and each of them knew they could count on her love and unfailing support. In, turn, they were all devoted to their mother and did everything humanly possible to ensure that she could live out her life a home as she wished. Her daughters-in-law are certain she has earned a “golden key to Heaven” after (single handedly) raising these five boys! She was blessed with five creative grandchildren: Morgan, Erin, Tyler (Colleen), Wyatt, and Nathaniel who all relished chaotic Christmas celebrations at “Grandma Bonnie’s.” She encouraged her grandchildren to be independent and civic minded. In an effort to provide to be a good role model for them, she participated in many charitable activities.

A former cheerleader and graduate of North Baltimore High School, she was a proud to hail from North Baltimore, Ohio, where her father served as mayor, but decided to move to the big city of Findlay in 1950. Bonnie first worked as an operator at Ohio Bell Company. For over twenty years, she managed Buckeye Communications Company. She ended her career with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2000. While serving as cook at the old jail, her culinary creations were eagerly consumed by inmates and deputies who “happened by” the kitchen to check on her safety.

Bonnie had an eye for “antiquing”, often turning trash into treasures. Her sons were often enlisted to transport, recondition and (constantly) rearrange wardrobes, pie safes, cupboards, and other gems about the house. Bonnie was an aerobics pioneer and artist. She looked forward to producing masterpieces at her weekly paint class with “the girls.” Her daughters-in-law will forever cherish her hand painted Santas. Although a stickler for good grammar, Bonnie found redeeming qualities in everyone she met. Never succumbing to political correctness, to her, everyone’s first name was “Honey.”

The Routson family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of her daily hospice caregivers.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions be designated in Bonnie’s name to Bridge Home Health and Hospice or the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500) has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

A wise person once said that when you lose your mother, you lose your best friend. Truer words have never been spoken.

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