Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow
Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow, 78, of Charlotte, a loving mother and grandmother of deep Faith, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Dr. Rockafellow was born January 24, 1947 in Lake Odessa, the daughter of Gerald Leon and Rose Margaret (Cook) Augst. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965 and earned her Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Michael “Mick” J. Rockafellow on June 10, 1967 in Lake Odessa. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree at Indiana University as well as a Specialist in Reading from the University of Virginia. In 2002, she completed her Doctorate Degree from Michigan State University.
Dr. Rockafellow retired as an education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education in 2010. During her time as an educator she taught in K-12 systems in Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania; penal systems in Ohio and Virginia and higher education institutions in Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoyed travel and time in the outdoors, especially when accompanying Mick hunting and fishing. She was an avid reader and had a creative flair for painting. She and Mick were devout members of Grace Brethren Church. Bonnie lived her life as a testament to her unwavering Faith in Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, she carried His love in her heart and shared it abundantly with those around her. She walked in Faith, served with love, and embraced each day as a gift from the Lord.
Bonnie is survived by her children and their spouses, Andrew (Stephanie) Rockafellow of Charlotte, Daniel (Sarah) Rockafellow of Dimondale, Kristen (Jonathan) Jarvis of Hudsonville; three grandchildren, Claire Rockafellow, Autumn Rockafellow, and Chase Rockafellow; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Mick in 2017; brothers, Vaughn, Ernest and Owen Augst; sister, Geraldine Winsley; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bonnie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be held at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Potter officiating at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. just prior. Interment will take place in Woodland Memorial Park in Woodland, MI. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Bonnie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.