Bonnie Irene Mayes

Bonnie Irene Mayes, daughter of the late Harvey Calvin Raynes and Effie (Halsey) Raynes, was born on November 10, 1934, in Odessa, Missouri. She spent her childhood in Odessa, where she attended school and graduated with the Odessa High School Class of 1952. During her high school years, Bonnie began working at the Bank of Odessa, dedicating ten years of loyal service there. It was during this time that she was introduced to Frederick Arthur Mayes through her cousin, who served in the military with him. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage on October 16, 1960, in Odessa. As Fred served in the military, Bonnie embraced the military lifestyle while they were stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. After Fred’s honorable discharge, the couple lived in Warrensburg, Missouri, for eight years, then moved to Kansas City for three years. In 1968, they made Lebanon, Missouri, their permanent home. After settling in Lebanon, Bonnie and Fred became members of the First United Methodist Church. She cherished her time spent worshipping and connecting with fellow church members. Bonnie and Fred were blessed with two children, Russell and Laura. In the early years of her marriage, Bonnie devoted herself to raising her children at home. In 1984, she returned to the banking industry, joining Central Bank in Lebanon, where she worked faithfully for fourteen years before retiring. Bonnie enjoyed spending her free time doing crossword puzzles, collecting dolls, and reading avidly. She loved playing card and board games and was often the winner. Bonnie was also skilled in needlepoint and worked on the large needlepoint wall hanging for the United States’ bicentennial in 1976, which is displayed in Lebanon’s City Hall. Above all, Bonnie loved her family deeply and took immense pride in caring for her home and loved ones. She treasured the moments spent together with her family. Bonnie entered her eternal home on Sunday, February 22, 2026, while a patient at Lebanon North Nursing and Rehab Center in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of 91. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her siblings, Walter Raynes (Betty) and Dorothy Manking (Raymond), and by brothers-in-law John Mayes (Erma) and Diana Crow (Lyle). She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred Mayes of Lebanon; her two children, Russell Mayes (Olive) of Farmersville, IL, and Laura Wattles (Kevin) of Ft. Smith, AR; three grandchildren, Heather Dvorak (T.J.) and Alex Mayes (Mary Margaret), both of Farmersville, IL, and Travis Wattles (Andrea) of Fairview, TN; four great-grandchildren, Tucker and Hudson Dvorak, and Catherine and Jaqueline Wattles; two sisters-in-law, Corrine Miller of St. Louis, MO, and Edith Jespersen (Larry) of Columbia, MO; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Even though she is no longer with us, Bonnie’s commitment to her family and faith will continue to inspire and live on in our hearts forever. Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Lebanon First United Methodist Church Pastor Marsha Vincent officiating. The congregation sang "Beulah Land" and "In the Garden". Serving as escorts were Alex Mayes, Kevin Wattles, TJ Dvorak, Steve Raynes, Russell Mayes, Larry Crow, and Bill Miller. Burial followed in the Mount Rose Memorial Park Cemetery in Lebanon, under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial Contributions in memory of Bonnie Mayes may be made, and contributions may be left at Memorial Chapel or at the time of service.

Bonnie Irene Mayes

November 10, 1934 - February 22, 2026