Bonnie Celebration of Life

Bonnie Celebration of Life

Here are the facts... Bonnie Laughlin was diagnosed with a brain tumor on August 2, 2002 and underwent a needle biopsy of the tumor at Mayo Clinic on August 20th which showed that she had a Level 2 (mostly) - 3 (slightly) astrocytoma on her right brain. It was inoperable (non-removable) due to the fact that it was infused (intermixed) with a large portion of healthy brain tissue. Surgical removal would certainly be “incomplete and… would run an appreciable probability of permanent neurological injury.” In other words, the “cure” would be worse than the disease.

Bonnie K. Laughlin

Bonnie Kay Laughlin was born April 20, 1960, to Alfred and Doris Fischer. She was born and grew up in Long Island, KS., with her 3 sisters and 2 brothers. After graduating from Almena High School in 1978; she and Terry married in June of 1979. She continued her education at Fort Hays State University and earned her CPA degree in 1981.

She used her training and skill as an accountant in many ways over the years: She worked for Vick and Mapes Accounting Firm as a CPA for 5 years, then had her own accounting business for four years.

Along with her sharp mathematical skills, Bonnie had organizational and communication skills which promoted and insured both the success of the Laughlin’s Arabian horse training business and later Terry’s farrier business. Bonnie not only promoted the businesses and kept the books, but for many years, she worked along-side Terry preparing horses for competition. She conditioned and groomed while Terry shod and trained many, many award-winning horses. She loved working with the Arabian horses!

Bonnie and Terry’s lives changed with their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Bonnie accepted Jesus as her Lord in 1982. In 1987, she received the fullness of His spiritual gifts. New opportunities and a young family gave Bonnie’s life new direction and purpose. Gradually Terry and Bonnie’s focus changed from the horse business to working full-time for their Lord.

Her organizational and communication skills continued to be used, but in new ways, as she worked for the Billy Graham Association’s World Wide Pictures organization and the well-known evangelist , Dave Reover. (Re-ver) Her responsibilities included scheduling films and ministry meetings in regional churches. In more recent years, she became a theological overseer and sermon reviewer for sermons submitted to the website of Sermoncentral.com. She critically reviewed sermons which had been submitted to guarantee that they met the criteria of Biblically accurate fundamentalist beliefs. In addition, she supported Terry with writing for CrossRoads Articles and the CrossRoads Website, both as a critic and proof-reader for many years. She enjoyed being a part of the music ministry of Crossroads Church, helping with youth activities, and being the church treasurer and bookkeeper for many years.

After her children reached school age, Bonnie poured her energy into home-schooling the four boys: Derek, Jared, Caleb, and Josiah. She really loved teaching! All four boys have been well prepared for college. Jared will be graduating from School of the Ozarks this spring. Caleb and Josiah will be college freshmen this coming fall.

Bonnie’s passions were studying the Bible, reading Christian literature, researching information, gardening, and music. In more recent years, she was passionate about supporting the Norton Football players. She and Terry became prayer intercessors for the boys and the coaches. She was very pleased to have the senior football players agree to take part in this service today!

Bonnie fought an 8 year battle with brain cancer. However, up until the last several months, she was able to continue to participate in many of the things she loved. She went to be with our Lord on December 31, 2010. Preceding her in death were her mother and father. Those still living on this earth, but awaiting their reunion with her in heaven, are her three sisters: Susan Wise, of North Richland Hills, TX; Katherine Mick, of Norton, KS, and Beverly Koerperich, of Blanchard, ID; her two brothers: Dave Fischer of Norton, KS and Brian Fischer of Phillipsburg, KS; her husband: Terry Laughlin and sons Derek, Jared, Caleb and Josiah Laughlin, one step son: Logan Harmon of Hays, KS, and her mother-in-law: Lena Laughlin.