Bonnie Irene McKelvey, age 77, passed away on January 25, 2026. She was born on November 22, 1948, to Victoria Melinda Poulson and William Arthur Poulson, both of whom preceded her in death.

Bonnie was the youngest of five children. She was a life-long member of St. John’s Church in Millersburg, where she was confirmed in the faith on April 15, 1962. She graduated from West Holmes High School in 1967. After high school, Bonnie attended Kent State University and Ohio State University.

While a student at Ohio State and working at F. & R. Lazarus Co. in Columbus, she flew to Okinawa, Japan where she married her high school sweetheart and fiancé, Steven Dale McKelvey. They were married on July 23, 1970, and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this last summer.

Bonnie and Steve had many adventures early in their marriage both in Japan while Steve was serving in the Army, and upon returning to the United States. They drove a bus converted into an RV and traveled across the country. They lived in California and then in Florida, where they owned and operated a motel, before coming back to Ohio to be near family and raise their two children, Matt and Lisa.

From 1979 to 1997, Bonnie worked at the Commercial and Savings Bank serving as Assistant Vice President, Retail Services. She then worked at the Holmes County Health Department for 10 years and the Holmes County Library for 10 years.

She is survived by her husband, Steve McKelvey; son, Matthew (Lisa) McKelvey; daughter, Lisa (Jeremy Mizer) McKelvey; brother, John (Glenda) Poulson, sisters Ann (Dick) Price and Linda (Russ Geiger) Ellis; special cousin, Elaine Reed; grandsons, Brennan Taylor and Nicholas Schott; step grandchildren, Cody Mullet, Taylor (Tommy) Pszenitzki, Cora Clark, Carrigan Mowery, and Cade Mizer; great grandchildren, Azlynn, Mallorie, and Ruger Taylor; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Bernard and Delphia McKelvey, brother, Arthur Poulson, brothers-in-law Ron McKelvey and Robert McKelvey, sister-in-law Jody Poulson, and niece Emily Poulson.

Bonnie was most happy when spending time with family. She was generous to a fault, always putting others first, and found her greatest joy in helping her family. As much as she gave, she was fiercely independent and didn’t like to ask for help.

She enjoyed Bible study with her brother John and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Glenda. She had a strong, quiet faith, and covered her family in prayer.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. John’s Church, Millersburg. A time of viewing and prayer will be held one hour prior to the services at the church Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Church of Millersburg.

Alexander Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.