Bonita Rae (Gushee) Estling

Bonita Rae Estling, 74, of Lamont, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from mesothelioma. She was born on September 15, 1949, in Manchester, the daughter of Donald and Juanita (Heiserman) Gushee. Bonita was raised in the Aurora area and was a 1967 graduate of East Buchanan High School. She then graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1971.

On June 15, 1974, Bonita was united in marriage to Michael Estling at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lamont. Two children, Mitchell and Megan, were born to this union. Bonita taught as an elementary school teacher at Wings Park Elementary School in Oelwein and as a Title One Reading Teacher in the West Delaware School Districts.

Bonita enjoyed reading, quilting, and cross stitching. Above all else, she loved her children and grandchildren and cherished spending time with them.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Michael Estling of Lamont; her two children, Mitchell (Rhonda) Estling of Hiawatha, and Megan (Josh) Blair of Davenport; five grandchildren; Noah, Brady, and Olivia Blair, and Kennedy and Charlotte Estling; siblings, Arlinn Gushee, her twin sister, Donita (Rich) Clifton, LeLoie Dutemple, and Jeaneane (Ron) Luckeroth; and several nieces and nephews.

Bonita was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Pam Gushee; and brother-in-law, Jerry Dutemple.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Lamont Public Library. 

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