Mildred Bonnie Brooks, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, after an 18-month battle with lung cancer.
Bonnie was born in St. Louis City in 1941 to Helen and Jacob Laiben. She attended Cleveland High school and later worked as an Executive Secretary for Famous Bar.
Bonnie was one of a kind. She had a quiet way about her that could be a bit misleading. In just 3rd grade, she captured the eye of a young man, Ronald when she gave up her class seat for him. Little did Bonnie know this seed would grow into the beautiful love story it did. Bonnie married her love at age 19, and her commitment and love for her husband only grew. In 1968, Bonnie became a loving mother to her first daughter April with Stephany and Jessica following shortly behind. Motherhood suited Bonnie beautifully. She was a strong woman who led by example demonstrating loving Christian qualities. Her faith never waivered no matter the trial put in front of her.
Bonnie was kind to everyone who crossed her path, building beloved friendships at each stage of her life. Bonnie was a good friend to all and had a way of bringing people together with her smile and silly nature. Whether she was sharing a story or dancing around the pool, there was no doubt in the end she would have you laughing.
Even as Bonnie’s health began to decline, she maintained her strength, positive spirit, and most importantly her faith.
In the evening on September 30th, surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends she cherished, Bonnie was called home to the loving arms of our Father. The impact of her love will be forever felt.
Bonnie is survived by her husband Ronald Joseph Brooks; her children, April (David) Baese, Stephany (Gregory) Miller, Jessica Wagner; her grandchildren, Sarah Baese, Jacob Baese, Logan Miller, Luke Miller, Mackenzie Miller, Landon Miller, Emma Wagner, Zachary Wagner; and her sister Janis McArthy.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Helen Laiben.
In lieu of flowers, Donations honoring Bonnie’s legacy are welcomed to support Lung Cancer Research at Siteman Cancer Center Advancement office at Washington University. Memorial contributions may be sent to 1 Brookings Drive, MSC 1082-414-2555 St. Louis, MO 63130-9989 or submitted online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute..
Services: A public visitation will take place at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (4556 Telegraph Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63129) on Tuesday October 14th, 2025 from 9am until the time of the funeral mass at 10am. Interment to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
What you all wrote about your mom and my aunt Bonnie was spot on. Your mom was one of a kind and while she is in a better place, she will be missed. Loved her and love all of you. Sorry to see her pass and Sorry for your loss.
Rest in Peace, Sweet Bonnie, so Happy
I Knew You and Your Family, thanks to
Our Friend, Brenda Maxfield.
To my dear friend who was like a sister to me, I will forever remember you and all the good times we shared. My sincere sympathy goes out to Ron and the girls and their families. Bonnie was an angel here on earth and now in her heavenly home. God Bless.
Bonnie was the whole combination of the word sweet and so very nice. She always had the sweetest smile and a giggle laughter that made her so unique. She was one in a trillion! She loved her Ronnie and her children , her grandchildren and even her son in laws. Butch, my husband, loved her so much. She will be missed by so many of us. I can say that Bonnie and Ronnie were our dearest friends. My sincere condolences to all of you. Know your wife, your mother, your mother in law, your grandmother, your Friend was an Angel on this Earth. I love you alll! carmen
We are all very sad to see our “Aunt” Bonnie pass away. She was always such a wonderful person, with a bright, loving spirit which we will all miss dearly. GOD Bless to Ronnie, April, Stephany, & Jessica. We were all better off having known Bonnie, and having her be a part of our lives!
So sorry for the loss of Bonnie. Such a sweet lady and dear friend to my parents (Tom & Carol Bryant). Hugs to Ron and family.
Much love sending your way.
Bonnie always had a special place in every ones heart that knew her! She will be missed by everyone she touched with her presence!!
This picture of Bonnie is exactly how I remember her! Her big smile, soft voice and always laughing! She lit up the room! Bonnie and Ronnie were my parents best friends (Jack and Rosemary Drummond). We always called them Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Bonnie. Rest in peace Bonnie. I’m so thankful you were a part of our lives! I’m sure my father Jack welcomed her in Heaven with arms wide open!❤️ There’s no more pain and suffering anymore. You will be terribly missed.
I worked with Bonnie at the Glaziers Union, of which Ronnie was a long-standing member. She was the nicest, sweetest lady you could ever want to meet. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
There are no words to express what Bonnie meant to all of us who knew her. Sweet, kind, thoughtful, true friend to all who had the good fortune to know her. Bonnie was like a sister I never had. I was blessed to be with her when God called her home, I’ll miss her radiant smile, her kind, and sometimes goofy way about her ,her love, and Devotion to God, , her husband ,her three daughters and all friends throughout her life. And it was a life well lived. I’ve heard God only takes the best and Bonnie was and is the best.
Great sorrow to hear of Bonnie‘s passing she was an outstanding lady! She was always laughing and big smile on her face. Bonnie will be missed. Our condolences to the family