Bonita "Mitch" J. Robinson

Visitation will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. 

Monday, November 4, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM

 Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa

 Officiating

Reverend Robert Riggert

“Amazing Grace”  Congregation

Susan Lamb, Organist

“Let Me Cry”     “How Great Thou Art”

“Blessings”

Steven Linn, Vocalist and Pianist

“Up and Away” Recording

Dan Kerkhoff     Don Vonnahme     Ron Soll

Barry Branson     Todd Stadtlander     Dr. Bob Vonnahme

Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa

     A mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend to anyone who met her. Full of life. A wonderful teacher. Bonita Jane Robinson, daughter of Henry and Lydia (Rein) Buckhammer, was born August 7, 1943, in Bayard, Nebraska. You probably know her better as Mitch, a name given to her by her older sister, Sharon. She couldn’t pronounce Bonita, so she called her BaMitch and it stuck. Mitch’s health declined in recent weeks and she passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, Manning, Iowa with loved ones near. She was 76 years of age.

     She was raised in Bayard, Nebraska with her three sisters. Of course, being the youngest, she was surely spoiled and was always the favorite, so her sisters thought. Mitch had a reputation of being in more car accidents while growing up even before having a license. Not getting in trouble for those accidents as much as her sisters thought she should only boosted her title as the favorite.

    She graduated from Bayard High School with the Class of 1961. She went on to attend Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska where she earned her B.A. in education in 1965. It was at Kearney State that two of her passions began to grow – one for teaching and one for a handsome young man. Little did she know that when she met Scott H. Robinson for the first time, she’d met her partner for life. Scott and Mitch and their college friends always like to share the stories that she married Scott because she liked all his friends. And, he married her because she had a new car. They were married on August 6, 1966, in her hometown of Bayard, Nebraska.

     Scott and Mitch left Nebraska for the hills of western Iowa where they’d begin not only their married life but their teaching careers. Manning Community Schools and more importantly, Manning became home for many decades. It was here they welcomed two children, Tiffany and Matthew. After retirement, they also called Surprise, AZ home. During the cold Iowa winters, warm sunshine, rounds of golf and time by the pool made the winters pass more quickly.

     A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart. This was Mitch in her 33 years as an English teacher. She had a passion for teaching children and helping them reach their full potential. Mitch loved her career and her students loved her. Never more evident than after Mitch’s retirement. Many past students stopped to say hello on a visit home, played a round of golf with her or sat around a table enjoying a drink. You knew your teacher had become your friend when Mitch smiled and shared a laugh with you.

     You could always count on Mitch to brighten up the room. Yes, it was her personality but that was enhanced by her sense of fashion. She was always well-dressed, hair perfect, nails done and just the right amount of jewelry sparkle. She took pride in her presence and it showed. We could all use a little Mitch when we get dressed in the morning.

     Mitch never met a stranger. She was always up for an adventure whether that was a ride on a motorcycle with her son-in-law, Jeff, or a trip around Jack Trice Stadium collecting garbage after an afternoon of tailgating. Parties, a cold drink, Nebraska football, music and singing, books, holidays, laughter, travel - all things Mitch. She was the life-of-the-party, never wanting to be the first to leave. Maybe that’s why she always opened her home to friends and family alike hosting holiday parties and tailgaters for many years. She’d never have to leave the party; the party would have to leave her.

     Left to carry on the party for Mitch are daughter Tiffany Carson and her husband Jeff of Grundy Center, grand dogs Toby and Lucy, sister Vonnie Schmunk of Scottsbluff, NE, sister Sharon Hoffman of Lincoln, NE, brother-in-law Eph Ehly of Shawnee, KS and sister-in-law Judy Blevins of Kearney, NE. Mitch leaves many nieces and nephews and countless friends whose lives will forever be impacted by her loss.

     Mitch was preceded in death by her parents; husband Scott Robinson on January 31, 2018; son Matthew Robinson; sister Jan Ehly; and brothers-in-law Alex Schmunk and Jack Robinson.

     Each who are left behind can’t deny that when we look back there are many memories that give each of us something to smile about. Raise a glass, make a toast to a life well-lived and cherish your family and friends.