It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie Starr, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who departed this life on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the age of 76.
Bonnie was born on January 12, 1949, in St. Genevieve, Missouri, the daughter of Hosea Cairns, Sr. and Betha (Davis) Buehler. On August 14, 1971, Bonnie married Dennis Michael Starr, and they celebrated their 44th Wedding Anniversary before Dennis passed on August 20, 2015.
Bonnie was a devoted daycare provider who dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for children. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her career, as she was a beloved member of the St. Mary Catholic Church community in Centralia. She found great joy in reading, supporting her grandsons, watching sports, and cheering on her favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
She is survived by her son, Michael Starr, and his wife, Hazel, of Centralia; two daughters, Mary Beasley and her husband, Jason, of Catawissa, MO, and Missy Mallow of Centralia; and her four adored grandchildren, Ethan Mallow, Connor Mallow, Dakota Starr, and Hunter Starr. Bonnie also leaves behind three brothers and three sisters: Bill Cairns and wife Linda, Helen Gwin, Mary Balsman and husband Bill, Pat Mattingly, Charlie Cairns and wife Jane, and Terry Buehler, all hailing from Missouri, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her loving parents, her beloved husband Dennis Michael Starr, two brothers, Hosea Cairns, Jr., and Donnie Cairns, and a sister, Donna Heise.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor Bonnie’s life on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia with Father Steven Pautler officiating. Following the Mass, Bonnie will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, next to her husband. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School. Contributions will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Bonnie’s Family. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or through the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
