Bonnie J. Aberle

Bonnie Jean (Kelley) Aberle, 88, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Bonnie was born on April 16, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska, the oldest daughter of Birthal Kelley and Emma “Pauline” (Torkelson) Kelley. She attended public schools in Falls City, Nebraska, and graduated with the class of 1956. After finishing school, she moved to Omaha and started working at Mutual of Omaha. While living in Omaha, one of her favorite stories to tell and one of her favorite memories was attending an Elvis Presley concert with her girlfriends.

Bonnie married the love of her life, Eldon Aberle, on June 12, 1960. In 1979, they acquired the Ford dealership from McFall Motors, and 47 years later, Aberle Ford remains a family business.

Bonnie enjoyed socializing, playing Bridge, and being in the Red Hat Society. She was a member of the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. She was a passionate traveler, entertainer, and lover of a clean home. She found joy in exploring new places, hosting friends and family, and whistling happily while dusting her home, always creating a warm, welcoming environment wherever she went. She was a constant presence at her grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on with love. She was known for her zest for life and bright spirit. Although dementia affected her ability to communicate in her later years, those who loved her never forgot the lively spirit that defined her. She is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Eldon, whom she deeply missed over the years.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eldon, on April 24, 2002, and her son, Mike, on October 20, 2020.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Scott (Laura) of Sabetha; her daughter-in-law, Kelly of Boca Raton, Florida; her four grandchildren, Anna (Roy) Stafford of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brett (Alyson) Aberle of Sabetha, Chad Aberle of Lawrence, Kansas, and Lindsey (Mitch) Aberle-Swanson of Gretna, Nebraska; two great-grandchildren, Benny Michael Aberle and Lane Cody Aberle; her brother, Ron (Nancy) Kelley of Falls City, Nebraska; her two sisters, Sandy (John) Nore of Tucson, Arizona and Jane (Steve) Minikus of Altamonte Springs, Florida; her many nieces and nephews; and her dearly, devoted friend, Barbara Agee.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Prior to the funeral service, a visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be made in the Albany Cemetery, north of Sabetha. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Home, Sabetha Community Hospital, and the NorthRidge Church and may be sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.