Falmouth — Lavina Florence “Bonnie” Kavanaugh went to be in the loving arms of her Savior on September 19, 2025.
She was born in Pendleton County on June 5, 1930, the seventh of nine children to Berry Wilson Sr. and Clema Tina Hill Wilson.
Preceding her in death were her siblings, Herbert (Kaye) Wilson, Marcella (Frank) Kelly, Edna (Bob) Koch, Ruby (Harold) Bentle, Holton (Darlene) Wilson, Wanda (Kenneth) Harper, Berry Wilson Jr., “Sonny” (Shirley-living), Sue (Donald) Browning.
In 1951, Bonnie married Shelby Kendall Aulick (deceased 1983). To this union was born one daughter, Brenda Montgomery. Bonnie had a beloved son-in-law, Jim Montgomery and very beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her grandchildren were Todd (Heather) Calvert, Troy (Kate) Calvert, and Tiffany (Nick) Espelage. Her great grandchildren were Abbie (Reed) Feagle, Hannah and Zachary Calvert, CJ and Isaiah Neal, Kaiden, Kole, and Kendall Espelage. Her great-great-grandchild was Xander Feagle.
Shelby and Bonnie were successful farmers, and she became a Tupperware Manager in later years of their marriage. She also worked several years at Houchen’s and as a clerk for Sonny Wilson Reality and Auction. She faithfully supported her daughter in all of her activities.
Bonnie then married Chester Ray Kavanaugh. She joyfully received three bonus children. Joy Steffen, Larry (Mary-living) Kavanaugh (deceased), and Gilbert Kavanaugh (deceased). This added many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Ray proceeded her in death in 2005.Ray and Bonnie enjoyed square dancing and traveling all over the country.
Bonnie loved her flowers: a passion she passed on to her daughter. Ray used to joke and say, “You could lead her off a cliff with a bouquet of flowers!” Often people would stop their cars or drive slow so they could enjoy looking at them. Bonnie loved the Lord and was very active in the churches she attended which were Oakland Christian Church, Southside Christian Church, and lastly, Antioch Mills Christian Church. She loved her ladies Sunday School Class and being involved with the Ladies Aid.
She was a dedicated member of the Falmouth Senior Citizens where she served as president for several years, WoodmenLife Local 611, and as a Camp Northward Cooperation Member. For several years, she served on Counsel on Aging. She met in Frankfort with Legislators to help get Senior Citizens the laws and services they needed. She was an avid reader who read 100s of books a year.
Bonnie was a kind, loving woman with so many friends. Her family and friends will greatly miss her, but we know she is in a beautiful new home made for her by her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Woodhead Funeral Home, Falmouth, and from 11 a.m. - 12 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Antioch Mills Christian Church: 12785 U.S. 27, Berry, KY 41003, with funeral services following at 12 p.m.
Burial will take place at the Riverside Cemetery, Falmouth.
If you would like to give a memorial gift in her honor, you could donate to Antioch Mills Christian Church, Camp Northward: P.O. Box 128, Falmouth, KY 41040, or the River Valley Nursing Home - Activities Fund: 305 Taylor Street, Butler, KY 41006.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodheadfuneralhome.com