LaVonda “Bonnie” Mae Cleeves

LaVonda “Bonnie” Mae Cleeves passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 1, 2021. She is preceded in death by her husband Alan of 56 years, her mother Ruth Hitsman and her great-grandson Caine. She was affectionately referred to as “Bunny” by many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bonnie was born in White Cloud, Michigan on February 19, 1938 to Ruth and Ramoth Hitsman.

Surviving are her children Karen (Bob) Morgan, William (“Bill”), Becky (Rick) Robinson, Brenda, and Kim (Aaron) Brumfield. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Jim (Julie); James, Casey and Emily. Erin (Mackenzie); Jonathan, Amilya and Layla. Deena (Bryce); Chace, Paige and Savannah. Stephanie. Monica (Travis); Mackenzie Mae, Aubreigh and Brooklynn; Scott; Easton, Gunner and Theodore. Briana (Yorgo); John, Sophia and Juliet. Chad (Briana); Westin and Lakin. Lexi; Tristan and Kensley. Payton (Travis) baby boy due March 2022, and Cooper. Also surviving are her brother-in-law Doug (Jackie) Cleeves, and sister-in-law Marcia (Ken) Parker.

Bonnie retired from MSU in 1999 after a 30-year career, most of those years working at the Endocrine Research Unit. After retirement, Bonnie enjoyed volunteering at the Sam Corey Senior Center in Holt, as the secretary until the statewide shutdown in early 2020.

Some may remember Bonnie and her husband Al, as country line dance instructors at the Silver Dollar Saloon and other country music bars throughout Michigan. The duo were well known for their love of country music, line dancing, being incredible dance instructors, and playing in the “Cleeves Band” at various locations and events.

Bonnie found great pleasure attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years. She enjoyed doing puzzles, shopping, talking with friends and family on the phone for countless hours, making zucchini bread, tacos, her famous family dinners and holiday meals. Bonnie found great pleasure attending family gatherings and being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she held each and every one of them in a special place in her warm, loving heart. Bonnie also loved taking her dogs Bo and Brandy to the dog park for play time and socializing with her family.

A visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N Cedar St, Holt, MI on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 10am – 12pm. The celebration of life will begin at 12:00pm. Bonnie will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Alan, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River, Lansing, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Capitol Area Humane Society.

To watch a livestream of the services, click HERE