Bonnie Gene Shively (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Bonniegene Hulston Shively, 95, died Saturday, March 11,2017. Bonnie was born May 5, 1921 at
Pittsburg, MO to Douglas L. and Mary (Hooper) Pitts. She attended the Hartman Grove
Elementary School and Hermitage High School.
She married Albert Degraffenreid and to this union was born a daughter, Carolyn Sue. Carolyn
Sue and Albert preceded her in death in 1946 and 1947.
While living in Kansas City and working as credit manager for Laner Pontiac, Bonnie married
Fred Hulston of Springfield, MO. They traveled together the entire United States while he was
an OEM Representative for Omark Industries of Portland, OR. During that time they lived in
Chattanooga, TN, Springfield, MO and Catawba Island, OH. In 1960 they Moved to Pittsburg,
MO, and opened a real estate office while the Lake Pomme de Terre dam was under
construction. In 1964 they built Holiday Beach Marina at Pomme de Terre dam and operated the
business there for 11 years. Fred preceded Bonnie in death April 5, 1975.
She later married Reverand Merlin Shively of Chillicothe, MO where she and Merlin resided for
18 years. She served as Chief Deputy County Clerk of Livingston County 15 years and then
retired on September 30, 1993. Merlin also retired from pastoring at Highview Baptist Church
after 21 years. At that time they moved to their home on Lake Pomme de Terre. Merlin passed
away suddenly February 13, 1999 after pastoring Pomme de Terre Baptist Church 5 years.
She then moved to Springfield, where she lived for her remaining years, which for the past 8
years were at the Montclair, a retirement home where she made many close friends and enjoyed
her life in many different ways.
Bonnie was an active member of Highview Baptist Church, Chillicothe, MO, and then Pomme
de Terre Baptist Church in Pittsburg, MO, and then Second Baptist Church, Springfield, MO at
the time of her death.
Bonnie is survived by 2 step daughters, Linda Hulston Chancellor and husband Bob; Rebecca
Conard; 1 step son Dan Shively and wife Shelly; and many step grandchildren, and nieces and
nephews.
Bonnie was also preceded in death by her parents; sister Lucy Breshears; brothers Garrett
Grisham and wife Leda, and Kenneith Pitts and wife Virgia.
Bonnie was a special friend to many, and she had many special friends, by whom she will be
sadly missed and remembered for her pleasant and cheerful countenance.
Services will be March 15 at Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church in Pittsburg, MO at
10:30 a.m., with Visitation preceding the service at 9:30 a.m. Internment will immediately follow
the service at Pittsburg Missionary Baptist Church (306 Road) Pittsburg, MO.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bonnie?
Share a story where Bonnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonnie you’ll never forget.
How did Bonnie make you smile?