Bonice P Hepner

Bonice Pauline Hepner was born August 21, 1940 in Odell, NE to Lewis Jay Mason and LaVon Mae (Justis) Mason. She died on July 23, 2018 at Gardenside Nursing Home.  Bonice was baptized and confirmed on April 10, 1955 by Pastor Robert W. Jones at the First United Presbyterian Church in Fairbury, NE.  She attended Fairbury Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1958.  She was planning to attend her 60 ^th Class Reunion in August.  After graduation Bonice moved to Wichita, KS to attend Wesley School of Nursing.  She was capped on January 25, 1959 and graduated on July 12, 1961.

After graduation Bonice worked as a Surgical Nurse in Wichita.  She married Richard A. Hepner.  To this union one daughter was born, Tracy Renee.  They later divorced and Bonice moved back to Fairbury with Tracy.  They moved in with LaVon so she would be able to help care for Tracy.  Bonice started as a staff nurse at Jefferson Community Health and Life in 1965.  She worked in surgery for several years until the Director of Nursing Home position became available.  She accepted that position and worked as the Director until 2002.  Bonice then spent the next 6 years working at Madonna.

Bonice was a 63 year member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Fairbury.  She served on several different teams and was an ordained Deacon. Bonice and LaVon loved Nebraska and Fairbury sports.  She enjoyed watching the neighborhood kids grow up.  She never forgot a holiday or birthday.  Bonice followed their activities and would clip articles out of the paper marking their achievements. She loved her cats and dogs.  Toby and Tia were a constant source of amusement and companionship.  She enjoyed working in her flower beds.  Bonice loved to shop. She had several different collections that she would add to.

Bonice was preceded in death by her daughter Tracy and her father Lewis.  She is survived by her beloved mother LaVon, her half-brother Jeff and Karen Mason and half-sister Lori and Greg Nutsch, nephews, Dustin and Michael Nutsch and niece Jennifer Mason and step-nephew Derek Lindstrom and great-nephew Paden Nutsch.

Services will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church at 2310 H St in Fairbury, NE on July 26, 2018 at 10:30 am.  Memorials will be given to the first United Presbyterian Church and Family’s choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.