Bonita "Bonnie" Ellen Sullivan

Bonita "Bonnie" Ellen Sullivan, 79, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Michael Francis Sullivan, peacefully entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 8, 2025 surrounded by family.

Bonnie was born on October 13, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of the late Elmer Rehme and Grace Stoering Rehme. Bonnie grew up in Western Hills, OH graduating from Western Hills High School before attending Valparaiso University. Bonnie met her future husband, Mike Sullivan, while at Valparaiso and they were married in 1967. Bonnie and Mike were approaching their 59th wedding anniversary, and their story together is a testament to unwavering love and commitment.

After Valparaiso, Bonnie began her teaching career. She and Mike soon moved to Lowell, IN and then Rochester, IN where Bonnie and Mike continued raising their first two boys, Brian and Brent. In 1977, the family moved to Fairfield, OH and welcomed their third son, Matt. Bonnie continued her teaching career in OH while, of course, being a wonderful mother to her three sons. After sending her two oldest sons off to college, Mike, Bonnie, and Matt moved to Charleston, SC. Mike and Bonnie eventually retired to a relaxing life in the lowcountry.

Bonnie loved life in Charleston and enjoyed the warm climate, the sunshine, reading, and having her family close. She embodied a servant’s heart and found joy in making her family and friends happy.

In the final months of her illness, Bonnie was especially grateful for all the loving care and support given to her by her caregivers and the medical teams from Lutheran Hospice.

In addition to her husband, Bonnie is survived by sons Brian Sullivan, Brent (Susan) Sullivan, and Matthew (Shannon) Sullivan; sisters Marcia (Dave) Kuhlman, Valori Seltz-Smith, Deanna (Bill) Condon, and Kimberly (Mike) Rahe; nieces Beth (Al) Croce, Amy (Brandon) Olsen, Alexandra (Nick) Schaeffer, Erika (Matt) Wilson, Alicia Kuhlman (Clint Recker), Andrea Kuhlman; and nephew Zach Rahe.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Grace Rehme, her older sister, Sylvia Ford, and brother-in-law Ernesto Smith.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Grace Lutheran Church, 1600 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, SC 29485.

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