Obituaries

Bonny Oswalt Prentiss

Photo of Bonny Oswalt Prentiss
Bonny Rose Oswalt Prentiss, born to Alonzo and Grace Lautzenhiser Oswalt in Wabash, Ind., July 12, 1927, the youngest of nine children, died in Little Rock, Ark., March 15, 2017. Known for her glamour, intelligence, adventurousness, and singing voice, she was adored by her husband Paul of 62 years, singing to him "What'll I do when you are far away" as he lay dying in 2014. She attained a BS degree in Home Economics and a MS degree in Institutional Management from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in Education in her 50s, while she was living in Miami, Fla. She worked as a college professor for several years, teaching gourmet cuisine and institutional management at Florida International University and Florida State University. She was a master gardener, a registered dietitian, an avid genealogist (tracing the family back to the Norman Conquest), an antiques dealer, a gracious hostess, a member of MENSA, a markswoman, a member of Colonial Dames and D.A.R., and she once sang at Carnegie Hall. She curated her surroundings and wardrobe with an amazing artistic eye, even until her death. Some fondly referred to her as "Miss America" at the nursing home where she spent her last days, because she never went without a coordinated outfit, jewelry, and a scarf or shawl and her iconic red lipstick. Even in a wheelchair, she commanded a certain regal bearing. She is survived by her four children: Diana Taylor of Little Rock, Kathleen Schenkelberg of Florida, Lorna De Perro of Colorado, and Thomas Prentiss of Louisiana. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Cremation arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com. A graveside service will take place in Indiana at the family burial plot. She was larger than life and will be missed by all.

Published March 18, 2017

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