Bonnie McKelvie Bufalo passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 102. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orva and Merle Fisher, and her brothers, Jack Fisher and Bud Fisher. She is survived by her three children: Linda Horner (Dick), Tim McKelvie (Kathy), and Scott McKelvie (Michele); nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. One grandson predeceased Bonnie.

Originally from the farm country of northern Illinois, Bonnie lived in several cities across the country and spent her later years in Springfield, Missouri. She married her high school sweetheart, John (Jack) McKelvie, during the WWII years. Their marriage lasted 33 years before Jack passed away at a young age. Bonnie later married Samuel Bufalo, who also preceded her in death. Both Jack and Sam were loving husbands and devoted fathers.

Bonnie was hard-working, creative, and a beloved friend to many. A working mother throughout much of her life, she contributed to the WWII effort as a "Rosie the Riveter," helping to build airplanes on the home front. Over the years, she held various jobs and eventually retired as manager of the University of Missouri–St. Louis bookstore.

She was a talented, self-taught artist, an avid gardener, a restorer of antique furniture, and a passionate ballroom dancer. She and Sam often danced four nights a week. When the music stopped, it could take Bonnie 45 minutes or more just to say goodbye to everyone—testament to her warmth and the many friendships she nurtured.

An informal celebration of life will be held at the Clubhouse at Creekside at Elfindale Retirement Village in Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life of a truly remarkable woman.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.