Bonnie Tuyls, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories.
Bonnie was born on April 28, 1935, in Gladstone, Michigan. She graduated from Gladstone High School and married the love of her life, James Tuyls, on June 6, 1953, in Gladstone. Together, they shared a joyful marriage until James’s passing on December 18, 2013.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Jo Fruin; her great-grandson, Anthony Williamson; and her mother, Ione Bovin.
Bonnie found joy in the simple things: the quiet rhythm of crocheting, the excitement of a Detroit Tigers game, and the thrill of a good bingo night. She was a talented and devoted crocheter, lovingly creating afghans for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at birth — a treasured tradition that wrapped her family in comfort and care. She was also a proud collector of clocks and found great pleasure in their ticking and chimes filling her home.
Bonnie’s love extended into the kitchen and the garden. She cherished baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren, creating sweet memories that will be passed down for generations. Her summer gardens were a source of pride, and she found fulfillment in canning the bounty of her harvest.
She is survived by her children: Debbie (Tom) Williamson, Patricia (Keith) Rodriguez, Cindy Johnston, Jim (Kim) Tuyls, Becky Tuyls, Jody (Tim) Born, Vicky Tuyls, Todd (Erin) Tuyls, and Troy Tuyls. She was the proud mother of 10 children, grandmother to 19 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 32 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandmother to 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Family will receive visitors on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 11:00-1:00 pm and the funeral service will be held at Calvary Apostolic Church, 511 Morgan Rd, Battle Creek, MI, on June 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm, with grandson, Pastor Jason Rodriguez officiating, with a graveside service to follow. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, MI. All who knew and loved Bonnie are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Calvary Apostolic Church.
Bonnie will be remembered for her generous heart, creative spirit, sense of fun, and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the warmth she so freely gave.
Services
Visitation
Thursday, June 19, 2025 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Calvary Apostolic Church, 511 Morgan Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Funeral Services
Thursday, June 19, 2025 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Calvary Apostolic Church, 511 Morgan Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Graveside Service
Thursday, June 19, 2025 3:00PM – 3:30PM
Riverside Cemetery, 1301 S Superior St, Albion, MI 49224
Posted On: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 3:20 PM
