Bonnie Beute

Bonnie E. Beute was born Bonnie Balizs in Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 13, 1937. Along with her younger sister Judy, Bonnie learned the value of hard work by helping with the family business. Bonnie could be found at Balizs Bake Shop, which was owned and operated by her parents and well known for their incredible danish pastries and tremendous cake decorating. Bonnie graduated from South High School in 1956. After high school, she worked as a private secretary for Chet Williams, an inventor at his company Williams Form and Engineering. Bonnie was known for being bright and creative at an early age.

Life as a secretary changed when Bonnie met a young man who delivered printed material to her place of business. Roland “Bud” Beute had also been working in the family business, The Beute Print Shop, so perhaps he knew what it meant to provide personal service to a valued customer. The connection between Bonnie and Bud became a friendship that grew into love and commitment as they dated. On October 25, 1958, the couple made their lifelong vows of marriage at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

Bonnie and Bud first made their home above the print shop on Alpine Avenue in Grand Rapids but eventually bought a house on Cogswell Street in Walker. Two daughters were born to them, Robin in September of 1962 and Heidi in November1964. Bonnie was a very invested parent. She was an avid member of the PTA at Fairview Elementary as well as being their Girl Scout leader for Troop 535. She was a gifted artist and a true nester. She had varied interests including cooking, baking, painting, needlepoint, knitting, sewing, ceramics, jewelry making, upholstery and quilting. She even taught classes. She was a pioneer and enjoyed being part of the newest trend. She got involved in aerobics in the 80’s and even began teaching classes in aerobics. She was most talented as a seamstress; sewing many of her and her childrens’ clothes. Quite often she made her own patterns.

Many family vacations were spent camping in northern Michigan with nothing more luxurious than a tent. Still, Bonnie managed to make pancake breakfasts on a camp stove. Later on, the family had a cottage on Emerald Lake in Newaygo and the good times continued.

Bonnie had a second wind after raising her kids and signed on to work for Gail Andrus Travel as a travel guide. She relished in the research and execution of taking group guided tours to places of national interest.

In later years, Bonnie went back to work as a secretary, but as a legal secretary working for Rosemary Scott. She enjoyed being back at work again for a dynamic woman who was a strong part of the community.

Bonnie always looked for something new – an adventure. She encouraged Bud to take ballroom dancing classes with her and always wished that she could be“on Broadway”. She had a list of things that she wanted to do including owning “Bonnie’s Truck Stop”, a diner that would serve a special of the day, including soup and pie. She never stopped dreaming of things that she could learn and do and share with others.

She and Bud were lovers of the theater, they took in many plays at the Civic Theater and even in New York City. As an avid reader, Bonnie visited the library often and checked out anything and everything for her reading pleasure. She was tender toward animals and cared for several pets over the years.

In May of 2013, Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer and moved into assisted living at Heron Manor in December of that same year. Her health steadily declined and she passed away at the manor on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 10:55 PM.

Bonnie was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful and gifted woman. Bonnie E. Beute, aged 76 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Roland “Bud” Beute, on March 7, 2014. She is survived by her children, Robin and Mark Cooper, Heidi Beute and Fred Lee; her grandchildren, Ian Cooper, Harriet and Freddy Lee; her sister, Judy Prince and her son, Chris Prince and friends. Bonnie was a loving and talented wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be celebrated on Friday October 3 at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 851 Leonard St. NW. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan. To read more about Bonnie’s life,to sign her guest book and to leave your own memory of her, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com