Bonita L. “Bonnie” Blades, 79, of Cedar Grove, died Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Vitas Hospice Inpatient Care Unit at Drake Center, following a brief illness.

Born April 3, 1944 in Cincinnati, she was one of 12 children born to the late Linus and Catherine (Fischesser) Martini.  On August 5, 1967 she was united in marriage to Mark Blades and he survives.

Bonnie was retired, having been a Registered Nurse for many years working at several area nursing homes.  She was also an active supporter of her community.  She was a member of Stayin' Alive Franklin County, a charter member of the Franklin County E.M.S., the Brookville Lions Club, Turkey Trotters.  In 2012 she was the recipient of the Alfred C. Brown Humanitarian Award presented by the Franklin County Community Foundation, for her timeless dedication to her community.  She carried the torch for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay in 2016.

She was a member of the former Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Cedar Grove, and a current member of All Saints Parish in Dearborn County.

Besides Mark, her loving husband of over 56 years, survivors include five children, Mark (Amy) Blades of Cedar Grove, Brad (Samantha) Blades of Brookville, Krista (Tim) Flaugh of Winchester, Nikki Blades of Cedar Grove and Kevin (Emily) Blades of Brookville; eight grandchildren, Morgan Blades, Paige (Hunter) Buchanan, Dylan Blades, Nathan Blades, Jacob Flaugh, Josie Flaugh, Logan Blades and Grant Blades; five siblings, Virginia Ramsey of Fairfield, Ohio, Patricia Hendricks of Cincinnati, Nick (Joanie) Martini of Harrison, Dottie Collins of West Harrison and Hub (Sue) Martini of Harrison; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Linus Martini, Burt Martini, Buddy Martini, Bernie Martini, Leonard (Weasel) Martini, and Walt Martini. 

Family and friends may visit from 4 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, where the Holy Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m.

Rev. Jonathan Meyer will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, September 15, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at Holy Guardian Angels Oratory, 405 U.S. Highway 52, Cedar Grove.  Burial will follow the Mass at Holy Guardian Angel Cemetery in Cedar Grove. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Stayin' Alive Franklin County, Turkey Trotters, or the Franklin County Arts Council.

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Blades family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary