Ronald E. St Bonnett

Ronald Eugene St. Bonnett, 79, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at his home in Hartford, surrounded by his family.

He was born, November 8, 1946, in Emporia, Kansas the son of Charles “Gene st. Bonnett and Beulah Storey. Ron attended Hartford High School and graduated with the Class of 1964.

Ron went on to attend Kansas State Teachers College. In 1967, he took a job at Sauders Custom Fabrications where he learned his proficiency with welding. He later worked at Dolly Madison and began farming. Ron’s ability to weld proved a valuable skill later while teaching welding courses at Flint Hills Technical College.

He was married to Sherry Bowlin in 1967 they later divorced in 1979. In the early 1980’s, Ron began farming full-time and married Pam Brock in 1981. They later divorced in 1993.

Ron was well known for putting up hay every year. It did not take long for him to earn the nickname “Big Bale.”

He married Jennifer L. Robison on August 6, 2003, in Emporia. They enjoyed twenty-three joyful years together. Jennifer survives him and resides in their home in Hartford.

Others who mark his passing are his four daughters, Janelle Cebula and spouse Tony of Toney, Alabama, Valerie Dow and husband Jeremy of Hartford, Vanessa St. Bonnett of Emporia and Michelle St. Bonnett of Emporia; two sons, Brad St. Bonnett of Emporia and Randy St. Bonnett of Las Vegas, Neveda; a stepson, Ben McCaleb and wife Heather of Neosho Rapids; sisters, Cheri Gibson of Emporia and Gloria Auchard and spouse, Fred of Council Grove; thirteen grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; numerous extended family and a community of dear friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a stepson, Presley McCaleb; three grandchildren, Jackson, Jett, and Eva.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Burial will follow services at Hartford Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 10:00 A.M. until services time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartford Alumni Banquet and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.