Lela June (Gray) Bonser, many knew her affectionately as “Lee,”. Lee was 85, and spent the last 2 Yrs of her life in Waterloo, Iowa. She passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. Lee’s grandchildren knew their beloved Grandmother as Grandma Goofy or Grandma Leaf. Her great grandchildren knew her affectionately as Great-Great. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, Lee will be remembered for her boundless kindness, quick wit, and the warmth she shared so generously with everyone who knew her
Born on June 27, 1940, in Rockwell City, Iowa, Lee was the daughter of Harry and Marie Gray. She grew up on her family’s farm, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and spent her youth riding her horse. Lee enjoyed playing Womens basketball in high school. She enjoyed making a basket even in her 80’s. She carried with her a deep appreciation for simple joys and a steadfast devotion to family and community.
In 1959, Lee married, Edward “Bud” Bonser, a marriage that lasted nearly 47 years until Bud’s passing in 2006. During retirement, they enjoyed winters in Arizona, exploring the Southwest, and enjoying the time they had together.
Lee worked for more than a decade as a cook in the Sergeant Bluff-Luton school system, where her good humor and caring nature brought comfort to countless students and staff. Later, she served as a customer service representative for MCI, where her patience and friendliness made her a favorite among her coworkers.
A devoted mother, Lee found her greatest joy in time spent with family. Her kitchen was the heart of every gathering—no one left without a cookie or one of her famous dinner rolls. Her grandchildren and even great-grandchildren looked forward to her baking. Beyond her culinary gifts, she shared her warmth, laughter, and gentle spirit in ways that touched everyone around her.
Lee loved animals, particularly her dogs; as well as, a good card game and cheering for her favorite football teams. She traveled happily to visit her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured each of those visits. A member of her local Methodist Church, Lee’s life reflected the compassion and generosity found at the core of her faith.
Lee is survived by her sister, Kathi Ondracek; brother, Tim Gray; daughter, Ann (Bonser) Hawksworth; son, Michael Bonser; nine grandchildren; twenty four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, and her son, Patrick.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
