Bonny Kay Story, 71, of Frankewing, Tennessee, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, July 14, 2024. She was born September 12, 1952 in Mason City, Iowa to William “Bill” Roland and Martha Jean Baker Butterfield.
She married Gary R. Davis; they later divorced. She then married Dodds “Chip” Charleston; he preceded her in death. On February 14, 2009 she wed Dennis Clark Story at United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.
She attended school in Mason City and was a graduate of Danville High School. Bonny had an inquisitive mind and love of learning obtaining several degrees from Iowa Wesleyan College. Bonny worked in various human resources positions, eventually retiring from Iowa Wesleyan College. Upon retirement, Bonny and Dennis moved to The Story Farm in Frankewing, Tennessee. Together, they accomplished their dream by turning their land into a successful cattle farm known as “Reveille Farm” and raised and sold high quality, Pure Bred Black Angus cattle until 2023.
Kind hearted by fault, she had a deep love for animals, especially her dog, Mollie. Bonny was a lover of nature and found beauty everywhere she went. She enjoyed hiking on their farm, especially with Dennis, her grandchildren, and Mollie. She always had her eyes open for unique rocks, feathers and other interesting items that caught her attention. This is something that has been passed down to her grandson AJ. Bonny was skilled and talented in sewing, crafting, gardening, and known as an exceptional cook. A gifted seamstress with a flare for crafting, their home would be decorated beautifully, especially for the holidays. She had an exquisite green thumb as she and Dennis created beautiful flower gardens throughout their farm. During holidays and family gatherings Bonny would be found in the kitchen, cooking everyone’s favorite homemade dishes and desserts. A selfless individual to a fault, she had a warmhearted way about her; family meant everything to her.
Bonny is survived by her daughters Ann (Tony) Durr, Amelia (Terry) Strickland, Carol (Greg) Morris, and Susan Story; father William “Bill” Butterfield; brother Monte “Bud” Butterfield; sister Kim (Mike) Pepping; grandchildren, Jonathan (Wendy) Newman, Stacey (J.C.) Strickland, Josh Smith, Brandon Morris, Bailey (Kalei) Morris, Zachary Story, Bryce (Cloe) Story, and Kalayna, AJ and Layney Durr; great-grandchildren, Peyton Halstead, Makayla Newman, Kayne Halstead, Grace Newman, Ryker Story and Ansley Story; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis of fourteen years; her mother; son John Davis; brother Bill Butterfield and his wife Jan; sister Tammy Eagen and (Howard “Chewy” Degen); sister Brenda in infancy; and nephew Jacob Eagen.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held the afternoon of September 14th at the Oakland Mills Nature Center Cabins. A private family celebration will be held October 12th in Frankewing, Tennessee at The Reveille Farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Oakland Mills Nature Center and Healthy Paws Veterinary Care. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.