Joan Bonnell Clark

ROCKFORD - Joan Bonnell Clark, 89, formerly of Rockford, died at her home in Rockford, IL, on September 23, 2021.

A beloved daughter, wife, mother, friend and mentor; Joan touched thousands of lives during her time here on earth as a teacher, humanitarian, and spiritual leader. She encouraged everyone around her to follow their dreams and overcome any obstacles in their path. Countless times, she personally intervened on behalf of others and caused tipping points that sent people on their way to achieve their highest goals. Her compassion for fellow imperfect human beings was boundless.

Joan was a writer of poetry and romance novels (under her name or her pen name, Lara Bonnell). She was an excellent swimmer, and she loved to ballroom dance.

Joan was born October 1, 1931 in Highland, NY, to Walter and Viola Bonnell. She attended High School in New Brighton, PA. She went on to earn a B.A. at the University of Illinois, and then a M.S. in Library Science at Northern Illinois University. She raised 3 children from her first marriage to R. Merle Stauffer, and 1 child from her second marriage to Peter J. Surrey. She worked as a teacher for kindergarten, 4 ^th grade, and middle and high school English. After completing her M.S. in Library Science, she worked as a reference librarian and archivist at Rockford University for 20 years. She also taught creative writing there. She was active in many community groups: Rockford Writers' Guild, Rockford CROP Hunger Walk, Bread for the World, Rockford Chapter of Prison Fellowship, Protestant Community Services, St. Chad's Episcopal Church, the Jane Addams Peace Fellowship, and others too numerous to list. She was awarded the Dr. Mildred Berry Award for Education one year at the annual YWCA Leader Luncheon.

After retiring from Rockford University, Joan trained and became an Episcopalian deacon. She moved to Homosassa, FL with her husband Sherman Clark, and then stayed busy serving her church and community. She helped organize a community food bank and worked on starting a private K-12 Christian school in the area. Sherman passed away in November 2002.

In November 2003, she married Peter J. Stanlis of Rockford. She continued her ministry work, and assisted Peter in completing 2 books. They traveled to England, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Scandinavia, and Alaska. They spent Easter 2011 in Rome. Peter passed away in July 2011.

In July 2016, she married Doyle Wetherington of Kissimmee, FL. Doyle was a retired Baptist minister and shared her strength of faith. They attended the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee and engaged in various outreach ministries. Joan used this time to work on her own writing and completed several books of poetry and romance novels. Doyle passed away in August 2021.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Jeanette, Joyce, and Jim, by her son Russell Scott Stauffer II, and by her husbands as mentioned. She is survived by daughters Sherry Hooke (Klamath Falls, OR), Marion Momaly (Rockford, IL), Peggy Fisher (Clinton, IA), four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice and Alden Debes for their exceptional care.

Christenson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Per Joan's wishes, a public service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 2540 West Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto, FL, at a later date. Memorials may be sent to any of her favorite charities: Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Habitat for Humanity, ASPCA, Bread for the World, Sierra Club, or Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church.

www.rockfordunerals.com