Bonita M. “Bonnie” Schey

LEIPSIC – Bonita M. “Bonnie” Schey, 73, of Leipsic, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with dementia. 

Bonnie was born on May 6, 1953, raised in Leipsic and remained a lifelong member of the community she loved. She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Florentine Gebhardt.

Throughout her life, Bonnie was known for her strong work ethic, caring heart, and love of family. She stayed busy cleaning homes and babysitting until she met Kreg Schey, the man who stole her heart. The two married on October 10, 1970, and built a beautiful life together, raising their three daughters.

Bonnie spent many of her adult years babysitting children in her home. She loved nothing more than talking about “her kids,” even after they had grown into adults and started families of their own. The children she cared for always held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the

lifelong relationships she formed with them.

While working other jobs, Kreg and Bonnie began traveling to craft shows with their business, After Hour Country Crafts. In 1995, they expanded their after-hours venture by opening The Homestead Collection in Findlay, Ohio. Bonnie loved being at “the shop,” where she could visit with customers and proudly share stories about her daughters and the many grandchildren they gave her.

Above all else, Bonnie loved her family. She took great joy in attending the countless activities, sporting events, and special occasions that kept her 13 grandchildren busy. Her grandchildren will always remember the many sleepovers and her much-loved “popsicle parties,” along with the laughter, fun, and memories created at Grandma’s house.

Bonnie’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She loved attending Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leipsic and carried a rosary in every purse she owned. Her faith provided her with strength and comfort throughout her life.

Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband, Kreg; her 3 daughters: Michelle (Greg) Schroeder, Carey (Greg) Spitnale and Sarah (Gary) Baughman; her 13 grandchildren: Johnathan (Ann) Schroeder, Cassandra (Justin) Schnipke, Nathan Schroeder, Andrew Spitnale, Jackson Spitnale, Grady Steffan, Gabriella Steffan, Miley Steffan, Anthony (Karley) Baughman, Kaylynn (Landon) Bailey, Mattie Baughman, Lynnsey Baughman, and Bexley Baughman; her 2 great-grandchildren: Kynlee Baughman and Oliver Bailey (Baby Baughman #2 coming in August); and her sisters, Joyce (James) Rickard and Grace (Roger) Mangas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Florentine Gebhardt; her brother, Jerry Gebhardt; her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Joseph Harden; and her son-in-law, Kyle J. Steffan.

Bonnie’s life was filled with love, faith, hard work, creativity, and service to others. She will be remembered for her warm conversations, her pride in her family, her devotion to the children she cared for, and the countless ways she made those around her feel loved. Her memory will live on through her husband, daughters, grandchildren, family members, and the many “kids” whose lives she helped shape.

The family would like to thank Putnam County Homecare and Hospice for their compassion and care for Bonnie.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Leipsic with Fr. Steve Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic as well as 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary’s Parish Life Center, Leipsic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Leipsic.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.