Bonnie Jean Blazier (Marx)

Bonnie Jean Blazier (Marx)

September 19, 1951 – April 16, 2026

Bonnie Jean Blazier (Marx), 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026. Born on September 19, 1951, in Carmi, Illinois, Bonnie was the dearly loved daughter of Betty and Walter Blazier. She was deeply spiritual, possessing a warmth and grace that she brought to everyone she met. Endearingly free-spirited, admittedly clumsy, and sentimental to a fault—she was a natural storyteller who saw profound beauty in simplicity and synchronicity. Sarcastic in the best possible ways, she had a brilliant, subtle, witty humor that could light up a room, and her smile was truly contagious. 

Bonnie’s greatest devotion was to her family. To her children, she was a quiet cheerleader and a fierce Momma Bear who filled their lives with endless hugs and encouragement. Her grandchildren were her ultimate reward; she adored them completely, treasured every moment spent together, and was an unwavering support. She meticulously kept all the cherished artwork, letters, cards, and tokens they gave her, holding onto them as expressions of her absolute adoration. 

From a young age, Bonnie held a deep affinity, aptitude, and love for writing, English, and journalism. Bonnie attended Carmi Community High School, graduating in 1969, and attended Southeastern Illinois Junior College at Harrisburg. She married Jim Gamble after high school, a union that brought her beloved son, Matthew. In 1981. She later remarried to Gary T. Marx, and her family grew with the births of her son, Tom, in 1984, and her daughter, Rachel, in 1986. 

Guided by her commitment to her craft, Bonnie returned to school at Southern Illinois University. For many years, she had the distinct honor of studying under her mentor, Virginia Marmaduke—the legendary, barrier-breaking Chicago journalist known as “The Duchess” who later became a dedicated benefactor to the university. While at SIU, Bonnie worked as the associate editor of the Daily Egyptian, the student-published newspaper. Following her time at the university paper, Bonnie transitioned into a successful professional career. She worked for the Southeast Missourian before starting work at The Southern Illinoisan, where she served as a staff reporter, blending her keen observation and gift for storytelling to inform and connect with her community. After The Southern Illinoisan, she went on to dedicate her talents to the College of Technical Careers at SIUC, leaving a lasting impact on the university community she loved so much. 

Following her retirement, Bonnie uprooted and moved to New Market, Virginia, to be closer to her brother, Samuel Blazier, and his family. A few years later, when her daughter, Rachel, was expecting her first son, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Her presence brought comfort and joy to everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. 

Bonnie is survived by her loving children: her son, Matthew Gamble (Katie) of Marion, Illinois; her son, Thomas Marx (Julia) of Manhattan, Illinois; and her daughter, Rachel Herron (Justin) of Overland Park, Kansas. She is also survived by her brother, Samuel Blazier (and family); and her seven cherished grandchildren: Leilani and Jemma Gamble, Dakota Parker, Natalia and Adrian Marx, and Elliott and Noah Herron. She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Walter Blazier.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a memorial service immediately following at the conclusion of the visitation window.