BENTZ, BONNIE RAE of Pontiac, passed away December 1, 2020 at 80 years of age from COVID19 after a 16-day hospital stay. Born at home on June 14, 1940 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Thomas Sr. and Iris Course (nee Lane); loving wife of Rodney for 28 years; dear mother of the late daughter Katherine "Kathy" Zygmuntowski and (the late Thomas); Lori Anne (Ashley) Beckman, Trent McRath, and Step-Mother to Robin McRath, Rodney Jr. Bentz, Katherine "Katie" (Stephen) Weingartz; proud grandmother of Paul Jr., Taylor Rae, Hunter, Aliea, Zach, Sam, Maddie, Cameron (Kelly), Karsen (Justin), Patrick, Rex, Jake (Denise) and great grandmother of Eddie and Evan Turner, Ashley & Ava Zygmuntowski and the late Derek Turner. Sister of Thomas (the late Kathleen) Course Jr.; Shirley Knebel, Ronald "Joe", (Mary Jo) Course and Debra (Louis) Campbell and many nieces and nephews.Less than a week after Bonnie passed, she was joined by her Husband Rodney, the love of her life, who died at home from a broken heart. Both Bonnie and Rod had previous marriages but when they found each other I believe they found a soul-mate in each other. She had a way of making everyone love her and it is a testament that the previous kids from both families melded. She and Rodney simply adored each other and often showed it with their playful banter, the way they looked at each other or holding hands. Neither was afraid to show or speak of much they loved each other.Bonnie was a lifelong resident of Pontiac and attended Pontiac Schools and graduated from Waterford Schools with her GED. She retired as a Secretary in Pontiac Schools for the "Title 1" Program designed to help disadvantaged children. She was also a long-time member of the congregation of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pontiac and was most recently served on the Vestry. She was also a member of the Pontiac Garden Club and belonged to a self-made group of mostly Pontiac district employees of women that often got together at a cottage up north.She loved nature, saw the beauty in all things getting inspiration for her "next" painting or project either she wanted herself or Rodney to do! There are so many words to describe Bonnie. With her fabulous smile; she lit up a room when she walked in, loved to tease and have a good time. She was vibrant, beautiful, sassy, spunky, funny, daring, bold, kind, positive, a wonderful artist, gardener, and don't forget how much she loved her Wine! She had a profound love of family and friends and was generous beyond measure. She was a mentor for many.Another passion the two of them had was "Consignment Shopping"! She had a natural eye for decorating and made every place she ever lived a warm and cozy environment that welcomed everyone. Together they gathered many antiques, art and furniture over the years. The Engineer in Rodney was always drawing up plans (on napkins or scrap sheets of paper) of things he could build or do for her. He took down walls, put up walls, put in windows and made decks among many, many other things. He often recreated "garden art" to share with the sisters as well. Together they were an extremely thoughtful and creative fun loving couple.She and Rodney shared a cottage in Rod's childhood home of Ludington, Michigan - always offering it when it wasn't being used to those nearest and dearest to them. When they were younger, they had a RV and traveled. Even then, they seemed to always be "inviting" someone to join them on their adventures. Bonnie was definitely a people person with many loved ones around her.Bonnie and Rod truly enjoyed simple things; going for a drive, listening to music, reading a good book, being by the water, a fresh snow in the winter, open fires, falling leaves, the blossoms of spring and the beautiful gardens in the summer. They grew the best Lilacs, Peonies and Hydrangeas in the world! Most of all they enjoyed sharing time with family and friends. Heaven received two new Angels that week and they will be greatly missed by everyone who knew them. May they rest in grace and love.Plans have not yet been made for either her or Rodney. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer when we have the opportunity to be able to all be together again. Plans will be announced as they develop.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church of Pontiac. 171 E. Pike Street, Pontiac, MI 48341