Bonnie J. Battleday

Bonnie J. (Kessler) Battleday, age 82, of Rensselaer, IN, passed away on January 22, 2024, at IU Health Arnett with her family by her side. Bonnie was born on July 25, 1941, in Shelby, IN, to Ercel and Maudie (Mattocks) Kessler. Her father would later marry Hazel McKinney, who would be the only mother she knew. She was proceeded in death by a daughter, Debra Sue, parents, Ercel and Hazel Kessler, and brother, Ronald Kessler. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Donald E. Battleday, two daughters, Anita (Tim) Taylor, and Jana (Doug) Hesler, four grandchildren, Justin (Jacqueline) Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Rachel (Evan) Zafir, and Christopher Rubley, three great-grandchildren, Haley Thomas, Brady Thomas, and Hope Zafir, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her. Bonnie lived most of her life in the Rensselaer area. She graduated from Rensselaer Central High School in 1959 and later that year, married the love of her life, Donald Battleday. They enjoyed sixty-four years together. They later moved to the farm and lived there for over fifty years. Bonnie loved the country life. Gardening and flowers brought her much joy and she had a soft spot in her heart for birds. Bonnie worked several different jobs, including bookkeeping for Trail Tree for over twenty years. She also helped Don when they farmed and when they had a trucking business. Bonnie had her own small business called Bonnie’s Crafts for several years. This business allowed her to show her many craft talents and her love for doing ceramics. She was such a hard worker all her life. While Bonnie had many talents, her greatest achievement was being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved to cook, and canning was another of her passions. She would always take time to share her passions with others. Bonnie took pride in everything she did and in her family. When she was able, she loved to attend her family’s activities. One of Bonnie’s favorite times of the year was Christmas. She loved to decorate her home and to give gifts for the Angel Tree and later for Operation Shoebox. She was a very giving person. While Bonnie’s life was not always easy and she faced several physical injuries, she always got up and faced life’s challenges every day with dignity. She will truly be missed. Friends may call on the family at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 12:00 PM CT with Pastor Owen Mason officiating. Interment at Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Bonnie J. Battleday

July 25, 1941 - January 22, 2024