Bonnie Jean Henson Martin

Bonnie Jean Henson Martin, 80, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Advent Health Shawnee Mission. Funeral services will be determined at a later date. Bonnie was born March 8, 1941, in Littleton, New Hampshire, the daughter of Preston and Lola Tanner. The family moved to the Kansas City area in 1949. Bonnie graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School with the first class of 1959. She continued her education at Colorado College where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She later finished her education at UMKC earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in German language in 1992. She was married to Charles Henson in 1961 and they were together for fifteen years. Bonnie owned and operated a graphic design/production company starting in the mid-1970s called The Graphic Underground, which designed and produced advertising, corporate identity, and collateral materials. She was instrumental in producing The Kansas City Royals Yearbook for 12 years, designed the logo for Oceans of Fun theme park, and was key designer in producing the mural, 150 Years of Ottawa University for the university library reception room. Bonnie had a variety of personal accomplishments. She learned to fly an airplane, became a qualified bareboat sailor, was a computer whiz, a linguist and a teacher of calligraphy. Bonnie was later united in marriage to John B. Martin, native of Ottawa, Kansas, on September 9, 1989, and they resided in Overland Park, Kansas where they have lived ever since. John survives of the home. In her volunteer work, Bonnie was the leader of the Emergency Response Team for the Cunningham Heights neighborhood in Overland Park. A marvelous cook, with a vast cookbook collection, Bonnie created a neighborhood cookbook. She was co-chair of her 50th class reunion with the combined classes of Shawnee Mission North and East High Schools. She was a member of the UMKC German Language Club and attended Colonial Presbyterian Church. Bonnie loved to travel and, with her husband, covered four continents. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, always gracious and helpful, and a great wit with a quiet sense of humor. Her family and friends mourn her loss and will miss her very much. Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, John, a brother, Geoff Tanner of Raytown; children John Henson of Lawrence; Beverly Dillman (Chris) of Spring Hill; Jeff Martin (LeeAnn) of Lenexa; Laurie Rue (Norman) of Gardner; grandchildren, Katie Cygan (Beau) of Edgerton; Eryn Dillman of Spring Hill; Chad Martin of Gardner; Casey Martin of Lenexa, Connor Martin of Lenexa, Collin Rue of Gardner and Joseph Hannah of Kansas City, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions to AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Cancer Center c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.