Bonnie Ellen Haegele

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Bonnie Ellen Haegele, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, in San Diego, California. Born on October 21, 1942, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Bonnie lived a vibrant and full life marked by her warmth, generosity, and enduring love for family and community.

Bonnie was a proud graduate of Bellville High School and went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where she majored in English. Her passion for language and communication would serve her well throughout her varied and accomplished career.

Among the many roles she embraced over the years—teacher, homemaker, Girl Scout and 4-H advisor—Bonnie found her greatest joy as the owner of The Hartford House restaurant in Croton, Ohio. There, she combined her love of food with her natural gift for hospitality, creating a welcoming space that brought people together over delicious meals and warm conversation.

Bonnie’s life was rich with interests that reflected her dynamic spirit. A devoted fan of The Ohio State University football team, she cheered on the Buckeyes with enthusiasm every season. She had a deep love for cooking and entertaining—her kitchen was often filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. Gardening brought her peace and joy, while reading and participating in book clubs kept her mind engaged. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and traveling to new places.

Her faith was an important part of her life. In later years, Bonnie attended Solana Beach Presbyterian Church in California and participated regularly in its senior group activities, forming meaningful connections within the congregation.

Bonnie’s sparkly personality lit up every room she entered. She had a special gift for making friends wherever she went and bringing people together through kindness and shared joy.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Darlene and Tina Haegele; her sister Marilyn Johnson; her brother Norman Dudgeon; as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends whose lives were touched by her warmth.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Dudgeon and Alice (McClelland) Dudgeon; sisters Margaret Cooper, Mary Alice Forbes, and Nancy Hite; brothers Robert Dudgeon and Ralph Dudgeon Jr.; and her beloved son Ronald Wayne Haegele.

Bonnie Haegele leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and community spirit. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Avenue. Service will be held in the Chapel.

Gallery

Memory wall

November 8, 2025

Found a few photos

Jim Johnson

November 8, 2025

I feel very honored to have been able to call Bonnie my Aunt. She was always upbeat with a smile on her face. She was extremely fun to be around. I will really miss talking to her on the phone. There were many excellent cooks in our family, but Bonnie was one of the best. I will really miss her. She was a gem!

Jim Johnson

November 7, 2025

She will always be remembered as a wonderful sister-in-law. Much love Dorothy

Dorothy Weller Haegele

November 7, 2025

Bonnie was a great friend and neighbor for many years.We went on many vacations together. We were on a bowling league. Many laughs were had by all. The stories we could tell. We would talk or text several times month. Bonnie was a great friend and I really miss her. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again ♥️🙏

Julie Sullivan

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