Bonita Ann Bourbon

Bonita Ann Bourbon, lovingly known to all as “Bonnie,” of Potosi, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the age of 78.

Bonnie was born on January 14, 1947, in Old Mines, Missouri, a daughter of the late Leo and Mildred (Shepard) Fitzwater. She grew up in Potosi, where she graduated from Potosi High School in 1965. Just days after graduation, she began her lifelong journey with her best friend and love, James William Bourbon. They were united in marriage on January 23, 1965, and together shared 60 beautiful years of devotion, love, and adventure.

Bonnie was a woman of strong work ethic and compassion. She dedicated over twenty years to Brown Shoe Company, later working at FMA and in home health care, where her caring nature touched the lives of many. She was a devoted member of Stoney Point Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her life.

Bonnie had a deep love for the simple joys of life—riding backroads with James in their ’94 Jeep Wrangler, camping at Hazel's Campground, crafting, and cooking meals that brought everyone to the table. Her famous chicken and dumplings and jalapeño cornbread were family favorites. She cherished every opportunity to gather with her loved ones, especially during family dinners and weekend card games that filled the house with laughter and friendly rivalry.

In her younger years, Bonnie found joy singing gospel specials at church alongside her sister, Becky. She also had a fondness for collecting pig figurines—small tokens of a life filled with humor and warmth.

Bonnie’s legacy is carried on by her beloved husband, James Bourbon; her children: Kent (Paula) Bourbon and Mitch (Billie) Bourbon; her grandchildren: Kent Bourbon Jr., Owen (Lora) Bourbon, River Bourbon, Keith (Ashley) Bourbon, Kendra (Stephen) Owens, Ethan (Lilly) Bourbon, Micki (David) Boyet, Casey (Seth) Slovensky, Lillyan Bourbon (fiancé, Ean Eaton), Cheyenne Bourbon, Brandon Bourbon, Hunter Bourbon, Emilee Bourbon, Dustin Bourbon, and Connor Bourbon; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sister Becky Maness; as well as her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Mildred Fitzwater; her brother Kevin Fitzwater; and her in-laws, Dudley and Lucy Bourbon, along with many other dear relatives.

A visitation in honor of Bonnie will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at DeClue Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM in the DeClue Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Claude Evans officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be DJ Bourbon, Owen Bourbon, Stephen Owens, David Boyet, Ean Eaton, Seth Slovensky, and Ethan Bourbon. Bonnie will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Potosi, Missouri.

Arrangements have been respectfully entrusted to the care of DeClue Funeral Home.

Bonnie’s life was a beautiful example of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.