Long-time Overcoming With God follower, Bonnie Roof, who also joined us as a reviewer on the blog, has "retired" to heaven. When I first "met" Bonnie online here at the blog I was struck by how sweet and open she was. She shared her life and concerns and always encouraged others. We (Diana Flowers, Teresa Mathews, Marian Bay, myself, and Noela Nancarrow) always worked to create the feeling of coming into someone's living room to hear about new Christian fiction and especially those with something special to offer. And Bonnie soon felt like an old friend. Later, when some of the reviewers needed to stop blogging, Bonnie stepped in and joined us in reviewing our favorite books. She also did some guest posts on another of my blogs, Colonial Quills. Engaging and thoughtful, Bonnie pulled readers in to her posts.
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| Bonnie Roof in Virginia Beach, Virginia |
Bonnie had her dream come true when she worked with Annie "JC" and Carrie Booth Schmidt to create a Christian Fiction Readers Retreat Conference which is about to celebrate its third year. She'd always wanted to have a conference where her favorite Christian authors could meet in person with readers. This event has grown yearly. I had the privilege of speaking at the first one, in a panel, and got to see Bonnie for a second time in person (she'd stopped by in Virginia right after my emergency gall bladder surgery as I was recovering.) Bonnie was right in her element at the conference and beaming from ear-to-ear! It was wonderful to see her so happy and surrounded by her favorite authors!
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| Bonnie Roof, center, at first CFRR |
Bonnie loved to share about her beloved Kentucky and especially where she grew up. We loved to hear about the history of her family's farm! Bonnie will be greatly missed and she was greatly loved.
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| Bonnie Roof and Carrie Booth Schmidt at CFRR |
Carrie, this is a beautiful remembrance post. ❤ It is sad loss for all those that knew Bonnie online and in person. I was lucky enough to meet her in person at the second CFRR event. We had a lovely conversation. It felt as if I'd known her for years. She will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteBonnie was a lovely lady and now her life begins.
ReplyDeleteCarrie thank you for this thoughtful post. I didn’t know bonnie well but I remember seeing her name around quite a bit. This gives me a better understanding of who she was and how helpful she was to the writing community. She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful tribute for such a beautiful lady Carrie! Bonnie will definitely be missed. I can picture her and Regina walking and talking with Our Lord and that is such a comfort!
ReplyDeleteYes, Bonnie and Regina! Thank you for your honoring posts of these dear friends. So blessed to have been part of their online acquaintance. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeleteThank you for this special post about dear Bonnie. I’m so glad she was able to see her dream realized. Blessed to have known her and to have worked with her on the blog. Hugs, Carrie!
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences to Bonnie's family. May our Lord comfort you as only He can.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie for this sweet tribute to Bonnie! She was a wonderful friend,and as you said she was a kind,open ,loving friend who was never to busy to listen. Loved her and will miss her terribly! May she be an inspiration to us. May we pray for her family and all of us who loved her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Carrie. I know Bonnie was a blessing to many and I wish I had the opportunity to meet her at CFRR but alas, I was not able to go. May her family and friends find comfort in knowing she has reached her heavenly home and is now rejoicing with the saints who have gone before.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, a beautiful tribute to a sweet, dear lady. I became friends with Bonnie years ago as we were in many of the same groups sharing the love of reading Christian fiction and the authors' of those books. We talked often and she soon became a dear friend. I will miss her.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
Carrie, a lovely tribute to an amazing woman of God!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, a beautiful tribute to sweet Bonnie Roof. I remember meeting her at that first CFRR and what a joy. Even though she wasn't up to par, she was there. Then I was blessed to visit with her the next year at CFRR. She's gained her heavenly reward. What a reunion day that will be one of these days.
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