Bonnie Jean Elrod

Bonnie Jean Pitts Elrod died December 24, 2022, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock. She was 83 years old. Bonnie was born October 27, 1939, in Plum Bayou, Ark., to the late Donelson Flynn Pitts, Sr. and Edith Rosabelle Hobson Pitts. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donelson Flynn Pitts, Jr. (Mattie); and her infant sister, Rose Pitts. Bonnie was married for 61 years to her loving husband, Donald Lee Elrod. Survivors include her husband, Donald Lee Elrod of Alexander; son, Douglas Elrod (Diana) of Denton, Texas; daughter, Donna Elrod (Kristen) of Little Rock, Ark.; sister, Linda Kitchen (Harry) of Highland Village, Texas; grandson, Alex Garland (Jessica) of Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-law, Peggy Bengtson of Bryant; a host of nieces and nephews; her beloved dog Trixie Blue, and very special neighbors John and Evelyn Cathcart. Bonnie was born in Plum Bayou, Ark., and was a proud Plum Bayou Polar Bear basketball standout. After high school, she graduated from Capitol City Business College. Bonnie made a lifelong career as a payroll specialist and bookkeeper for various John Deere dealerships and trucking companies in Central Arkansas and the Saline County Clerk's office. Her bookkeeping skills led her to become an official scorekeeper for her children's baseball and softball teams. She remained dismayed that her children did not inherit her bookkeeping skills as neither child could keep their checkbooks correctly. Profoundly spiritual, Bonnie was a member of Bryant First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Her activities in the church included teaching the Spiritual Seekers Sunday School class, being a member of the United Methodist Women, leading the meal support for bereaved families, and being a member of the Shepard's Program. Above all, Bonnie was a caretaker. She cared for her husband for 61 years and cared for her children and their families and friends, her extended family, her friends, her church family, her coworkers, stray dogs and cats, and, well, everyone and everything. No one ever, ever left her house hungry. Visitation with the family will be Thursday December 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Bryant First United Methodist Church. Her celebration of life will follow visitation at 2 p.m. at the church with the Reverend Susan Ledbetter officiating. Burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. The Pallbearers will be Alex Garland, Jason Kitchen, David Pitts, Andy Solomon, David Howard, David Bengtson, Stan Elrod, and Tim Elrod. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Bryant First United Methodist Church, Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the staff at Arkansas Heart Hospital, Dr. Rollefson, Dr. Beaux, and Dr. Card for their excellent care. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.