Obituaries: Bonnie Godden
Funeral Services for Bonnie Godden, 80, of Bedford, Iowa was held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Cummings Family Funeral Home in Bedford, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation was held Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the funeral home, from 3 to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment was held at the Bedford City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed towards the family to be established for community based scholarships in Bonnie’s honor. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Bonnie Marie Brown was born on April 30, 1945, to William (Doc) Henry Brown and Marie Alice (Richey) Brown in Maryville, Missouri.
Bonnie grew up on a farm with her parents and her sister, Dannie Lou. Later in life, she was grateful to meet her half-brother, Raymond Cates.
Bonnie graduated from Maryville High School in 1963.
On June 27, 1964, Bonnie married Freddie Vern Shields, and to this union three children were born: Donald Eugene, Michael William and Christina Marie.
Bonnie found love again and married Phillip Glen Godden on October 1, 1989. Together they shared many happy years filled with gardening, trips to Jamesport, visits to the casino, and time spent with their beloved grandchildren.
Bonnie and Phil owned and operated the Frosty Trete in Bedford for five years, where Bonnie became a “mom” to all of her “Frosty Trete Girls,” as she fondly called them.
Bonnie was deeply committed to serving her community. She proudly became the county’s first female supervisor – a role that showcased her dedication, leadership and commitment to her community. Her service extended across numerous boards and organizations including SIRHA, Lioness, Connections, Hungry Canyon, the City Water Board, Bedford City Cemetery Board, Bedford City Council, and the Soil and Water Conservation Board. Beyond these boards and committees, Bonnie’s dedication to service extended even after she passed as she chose to be an organ donor helping more than 100 individuals.
Above all, Bonnie’s greatest joy came from her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild – whether it was cheering them on at events, family shopping trips, impromptu Frosty visits, or sitting around her living room enjoying Christmas Pizza. She rarely turned down the opportunity for sleepovers with her grown grandchildren, a meal at her favorite restaurants, or babysitting her favorite fur-grandbabies.
Bonnie also had a passion for travel and adventure. There was not a trip that she didn’t want to take. She especially loved traveling with her family to Sanibel Island, Florida. She enjoyed exploring new places, learning about the history of the area and above all, sharing those experiences with family.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Doc (William) and Marie Brown; her husband, Phillip Godden; sister, Dannie Hanes.
She is survived by her children, Donald and Stephanie Shields, Mikey and Shelly Shields, Christina England and bonus daughter LaRue Allee; grandchildren, Celine (Hunter) Shoemaker, Dakota Shields, Jakob (Hannah) Beggs, Tessa Shields, Derrick (Bailee) Shields, and John Shields; great-grandchildren Annabel Shoemaker and Baby Beggs; Brother-in-law, Eldon Hanes; Nephew, Jason (Emma) Hanes; Special Friends, Clint and Norma Stewart, John Coon, Dave and Sonia Jackson.
