Rebecca (Becky)

Bonham

Rebecca (Becky) June Bonham (Bickel), age 80, passed away on August 11, 2026 after an extended and courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong Indiana resident, primarily in South Bend, Becky was residing with her son, Michael in Wichita Falls, TX and was with her family when she went to meet her Saviour.

Born in Goshen, Indiana, September 11, 1945 to Max M. and Margaret Bickel (Girten), she was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Michael, Skip (Donald), and John Bickel.

Becky graduated from Indiana University and received a Masters Degree from Indiana University South Bend.

Her career path began with teaching elementary school in South Bend and included positions as Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Executive V.P. of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, and owner of R. J. Bonham & Associates, a business consulting service. She served as the Executive Director of the Studebaker National Museum for 15 years, raising millions of dollars to build a new museum and overseeing its construction. Then preserving and marketing the unique treasures.

Throughout the course of her life, she was the recipient of the IUSB Distinguished Alumni Award, two Sagamore of the Wabash Awards bestowed by the Indiana State Legislature, the South Bend Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, and The Circle of Corydon awarded by the governor of Indiana.

Becky firmly believed in giving of her time and service to her community by serving on many local committees and community efforts. The Hospital Authority of St. Joseph County, The Salvation Army, Stone Soup, and others too numerous to mention all benefited from her participation. She also served as organist for 50 years at her church, Crest Manor Church of the Brethren.

Becky's accomplishments were many and varied, but she would tell you her proudest and most cherished was raising her two sons, who survive. Michael James Bonham, wife, Shantel of Wichita Falls, TX and her grandsons, David Staeheli, Bailey Bonham, and Max Bonham. Geoffrey Scott Bonham, wife, Monica of Grand Rapids, MI.

Becky loved to entertain. Family and friends enjoyed many delightful times at her home filled with good food, conversation and lots of laughter.

She also had a great joy for traveling. And, for the most part, her travels went smoothly, but there were certainly moments of hilarity when things strayed outside of the norm. Most of these moments, both while traveling and in everyday life, were shared with her close friend Marci Sears, who was a "partner in crime" to Becky and describes herself as "Ethel" to Becky's "Lucy".

Becky's love, warmth, and unforgettable sense of humor will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Cremation has taken place, and A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, 1342 Berkshire Dr., South Bend, IN 46614.