Bonita Belle Kliewer Reimer

Bonita Belle Kliewer Reimer
Bonita Belle Kliewer Reimer

Bonita Belle Kliewer Reimer was born in Cordell, Oklahoma on November 22, 1935, to Henry Edward and Nora Schmidt Kliewer. She passed away in Amarillo on September 29, 2021.   

Bonita attended a country school near Cordell and graduated from high school at the Corn Bible Academy in Corn, Oklahoma.  She was a musical child prodigy.  She began playing piano and organ when she was four and they requested that she be the church pianist at the age of 11.  She used her musical talents to serve the Lord from that time forward.  She sang in the choir and played the organ or piano for services her entire life.  She accompanied the Corn Bible Academy Choir, and they used her perfect pitch when the acapella choir performed in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

Bonita met Venus Paul Reimer when she was quite young.  She was friends with his sister and Paul says he was smitten with her long before they began dating when she was 15.  They became engaged her senior year and wed in May of 1953 after her graduation.  That was the beginning of their devoted marriage of over 68 years.  Bonita and Paul were blessed with four daughters: Debi, Karen, Elaine and Heather.

Bonita taught piano during the early years of their marriage and strove to further a love for music in her students.  Bonita was organized and had a talent with numbers, so she made the decision to work as a bookkeeper and then office manager.  She had several jobs during her career but found her niche when she worked for Don Hergert and his sons in their auto dealerships for over 25 years.

Bonita had many interests including music, first and foremost, and cooking and crochet.  She enjoyed cooking for her family and was famous for her wonderful homemade dinner and cinnamon rolls.  We never knew where the dough might be rising for the tasty rolls.  She loved to host large family gatherings and to spend time enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She often made meals for friends, and she enjoyed sharing with those in need.  She crocheted afghans for family members and for church projects after her retirement.

Bonita and Paul were active members in the First Christian Church in the communities where they resided.  They served as youth sponsors.  Bonita was a deaconess, sang in the choirs and served as choir director and organist.  After retiring, she played for the Happy Timers Choir.  As a member, she served as an officer in Church Women United and Christian Women’s Fellowship, and she was a lifelong member of P.E.O.

Bonita was preceded in death by a sister Mildred Jane and her parents.

She will be missed and remembered by her husband Paul of Amarillo and her daughters: Debi Jenkins and husband Jim of Lubbock; Karen Whitlow of Amarillo; Elaine Morris and husband Rick of Pampa; and Heather Stowers and husband Jeff of Friona, and her sister Joan Caldwell and husband Lairrie and their two sons of Lexington, Kentucky.  She was Grammy to 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the dedicated caregivers who helped Bonita when she needed it most.

 

5 Replies to “Bonita Belle Kliewer Reimer”

  1. Sending love and prayers to you Karen and your sisters. I remember your mother and her beautiful voice and piano playing very well. My Dad, who I lost tragically this summer, thought so highly of your Dad. I got to know him after I went to work for my Dad at his shop. Karen, I have great memories of you, Debi and Elaine as well. Know you are in my prayers.

  2. Some SHS classmates and I were just discussing the Reimer girls. We are all sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mom. Prayers and hugs.

  3. I’m so sorry for the loss of Bonita. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of time spent with the Reimers. I can still hear your mom’s beautiful voice as it filled the church. I will be sending prayers of comfort for your family especially as you girls help your dad through this pain.

  4. A true jewel of a lady and a long-time faithful friend to me and our family. I shall miss Bonita greatly. My sincere condolences to her entire family.

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