Cmdr. Bonny Aloha Hurlbut, USN, retired, age 83, of Centralia IL died peacefully at Aperion Care in St. Elmo, IL on 01/13/2022. Following graduation from Florida Southern College in 1960 and participation in the ROTC program, Bonny was commissioned to serve in the US Navy. Later while still in the military, she earned her master’s degree. She actively served until 1983, retiring with the rank of Commander. She received the Navy Defense Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. Bonny adored traveling and meeting people. Bonny’s Navy career was the best of both worlds, fulfilling her dream of seeing the world and encountering fascinating people, worldwide. After Bonny retired from the military and the passing of Bonny’s beloved “Gram” and “Pop”, Bonny and her mom, Helen, moved to the family home at 20 Mitchell Ave. in Centralia, where she resided until 2019. For many years, Bonny was an avid and gifted crafter, league bowler, and proud veteran with 23 years of service. Bonny shared her father’s quick wit, infectious laugh, and outgoing personality. During her later years, “Miss Bonny” was blessed to have the enduring friendship, warm affection, and tireless support from Connie and Marc Wolenhaupt.
A private family celebration of life for Bonny will be held at a later date at one of the sister’s homes. Bonny will be laid to rest beside her beloved mother at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. The Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 is honored to be of service to the Hurlbut family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
She is survived by her two half-sisters, Glenda K. Hurlbut and Dorothy A. Millsaps (Will), three nephews, Christopher L. Hole, Richard D. Hole II, and Mark R. Millsaps (Debbie), two great-nephews and three great-nieces.
She was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on 11/29/1938, the daughter of Frank Monroe Hurlbut and Helen (Hurlbut) Welsch. Bonny is preceded in death by her father, Frank Monroe Hurlbut, and mother, Helen Welsch.
