Bonny Rose Oswalt Prentiss
Born:To Alonzo and Grace Lautzenhiser Oswalt in Wabash, IN July 12,1927, the youngest of
nine children
Died: Little Rock, AR, March 15, 2017
Known for her glamour, intelligence, adventurousness, and singing voice, she was adored by her husband Paul of 62 years, singing to him “What’ll I do when you are far away” as he lay dying in 2014
She attained a BS degree in Home Economics and a MS degree in Institutional Management from Purdue University and a PhD in Education in her fifties while she was living in Miami, FL. She worked as a college professor for several years, teaching gourmet cuisine and institutional management at Florida International University and Florida State University. She was a master gardener, a registered dietitian, an avid genealogist ( tracing the family back to the Norman Conquest), an antiques dealer, a gracious hostess, a member of MENSA, a markswoman, a member of Colonial Dames and D.A.R., and she once sang at Carnegie Hall.
She curated her surroundings and wardrobe with an amazing artistic eye even until her death.
Some fondly referred to her as’ Miss America’ at the nursing home where she spent her last days, because she never went without a coordinated outfit, jewelry, and a scarf or shawl and her iconic red lipstick. Even in a wheelchair, she commanded a certain regal bearing.
She is survived by her four children: Diana Taylor of Little Rock, Kathleen Schenkelberg of Florida, Lorna De Perro of Colorado and Thomas Prentiss of Louisiana. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will take place in Indiana at the family burial plot. She was larger than life and will be missed by all.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400.
4 Comments
I offer my condolences to Lorna and the entire Prentiss family at this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort.
Hi Joe. Thank you. I have been lost without my parents. I don’t rember you,sorry. Please let me know how we know each other. Many years have gone past.
As a distant nephew , I have many fond memories of Aunt Bonny.
I have many fond memories of Aunt Bonny and her siblings. She was a very gracious host to my sister, granddaughter, and myself when we visited her in her Dothan, Al. home. A generation of Oswalt’s died in her passing. May all of you find comfort in knowing that she has joined her family in Heaven.
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