Bonnie Mae Burrough, 92, of Mobridge passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Walworth County Care Center in Selby.  Arrangements are with Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Bonnie stepped into the arms of Jesus on Monday, April 15, 2024. She was 92 years old. Bonnie lived a remarkable life, making a life-changing impact on so many of us. She was preceded in death by her mother, Goldie Newton, her father, Joe Newton, her brothers, Bob and Tom, her sister Betty, her first husband Rex, and her daughter Stacy Katcher. She leaves behind her youngest brother Sam (Pat), her other children, Michelle (Bruce), Ricky (Christeen), Brett (Colene) and Paige (David), her second husband Jerry Houx, 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends. We cannot count the number that called her mom or Meemaw.

Bonnie was born on February 20, 1932, in Grimes, Oklahoma to Robert Joseph Newton and Goldie Mae (Barnard) Newton. They soon relocated to the town of Kellyville, Oklahoma, where the family lived for many years. Bonnie lost her mom in 1942. At the age of 14, she learned to run the switchboard for the local phone company (a skill that would become helpful in future careers). Bonnie was an excellent student, excelling in many areas. She relocated to Dumas, Texas for her senior year in high school where she played basketball, was a member of the Glee Club, and was voted “Sweetest Senior.” Shortly after graduation, she met Rex Harris Burrough on a blind date. They were married about 2 weeks later, and made their home in Amarillo, Texas. Children began arriving in the Burrough home, beginning with Michelle in 1953. Bonnie helped to support the family by working at Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator, taking in ironing, and other odd jobs until they purchased a small grocery store and meat market, naming it Rex’s Grocery and Market. The entire family worked at the store. Soon, Rex’s Real Burger was open, and Bonnie had a new job, running the hamburger stand. Rex and Bonnie fell in love with stock car racing and became involved with the racetrack in Amarillo, a passion that never left her. Rex passed away of lung cancer in 1982. Bonnie’s relationships at the track soon brought her into contact with a stock car driver, Jerry Houx, on another blind date. The two married in 1985 in Montana. After many years, Jerry and Bonnie landed in the small town of Mobridge, South Dakota. Bonnie spent her last days at the Walworth County Care Center in Selby, SD, under the loving care of the excellent staff there. Jerry visited her extremely often and called her each night before bed. He was by her side constantly for her last days.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for May 11th at 11 AM at Elevate Church, 2700 S. Hill Street, Amarillo 79103.

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