Obituary of Sarah Bonnell

Sarah Lynn (Hutchens) Bonnell, 69, of Indianapolis, departed this life Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Sarah was born July 23, 1951 in Speedway, Indiana to the late John Wilson and Dorothy Wilmena (Lynn) Hutchens. Sarah was a 1969 graduate of Speedway High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Ball State University, as well as a master’s degree in Education from Indiana University at Kokomo. Sarah was dedicated to serving the students of Eastern Pulaski Elementary School in Winamac, Indiana for 34 years. She was a former member of Winamac United Methodist Church, The Indiana State Teachers Association and The National Education Association.

Sarah was a kind and gentle soul who was happiest making memories with her family and friends. She absolutely loved enriching the lives of her students, her children, and grandchildren through teaching and new experiences. She never passed on an opportunity to read to her grandchildren, and appreciated her own quiet moments with her husband and family, often times celebrating life with a Coca-Cola or nice glass of wine.

Sarah loved high school and college basketball, and disconnected herself every March to closely follow the NCAA Basketball Tournament. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, and her beloved Winamac Warriors, where she also served as cheerleader sponsor for many years. When there was time to get away, she would make her way with her family to Lake Maxinkuckee where many memories were made.

Sarah is survived by her loving husband of 47 years and 4 months, Tom Bonnell; her devoted sons, Shay (Angie) Bonnell, Dominick (Tiffany) Calabrese, Trent Bonnell and Travis (Jessica) Bonnell; her dear brother, Jim (Cheri) Hutchens; her niece Amy (Hutchens) Terry, and her nephews, Michael and Mark Hutchens; her dedicated grandchildren, Avery, Brady, Bowen and Briggs Calabrese; Audrey, Grant and Aspyn Bonnell; Carter and Connor Bonnell, and Ethan Lamar; a host of dear friends, grateful students, and a forever-grateful community that witnessed the ongoing education of more than 3,000 students during the teaching tenure of Sarah Bonnell. Finally, Sarah is honored and remembered by those students whose theatric talents were developed under her tutelage while participating in the Summer Playhouse children’s theatre program at Winamac Community School Corporation.

Sarah will be honored and remembered as a parent, wife, colleague, friend, and professional educator, with a gathering as a family AND community on Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at 2PM.
 

Mom's Celebration of Life will be held at:

St. Luke's United Methodist Church
100 West 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260

We will be hosting a meal for those attending, following the Celebration of Life at one of Sarah’s favorite restaurants:
MCL Cafeteria
2370 West 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you send memorial contributions to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and designate your donation to the Sherald & Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund. Donations may be made online, and dedicated to and in the name of Sarah L. Bonnell.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County can be found at the following website:
www.cfopc.org

Online condolences available at: www.leppertmortuary.com and www.frainmortuary.com