Bonnie L. Shook

Bonnie L. Shook, Scouting pioneer, passed away at 97 years on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Lima Memorial Hospital, after a selfless lifelong commitment to serve her community. 

Bonnie was born on August 12, 1927, in Jerry City, Ohio, to Leroy Carmen and Beryl (Maiden) Isenheart. On September 22, 1946, she married, Belford Wesley Shook, who was also a Boy Scout Volunteer prior to his death in 1982.

Camp Lakota in Defiance Ohio has a Bonnie Shook Nature Center which was dedicated in 2015 where she served as camp director for several years. She volunteered for Boy Scouts for 70 years. She was a part of Boy Scouts of America, Greater Lima Area, Shawnee Council, and the Black Swamp Area Council. Bonnie was the first female, Camp Director at Camp Lakota, COPE director, Councils order of the Arrow Lodge, where she had been a member since 1992.

She was an organizer of the first University of Scouting, first woman elected to the executive board 1978, first to serve as the board’s vice presidents over Club camping. In 1994 she completed her Wood Badge, as well as served on the council’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) assessment team. She is a Silver Fawn Medal recipient, which was introduced by the BSA in 1971. The award was discontinued in 1974 making it one of the rarest awards one can achieve. Bonnie was one of 2,455 to have ever received the award and one of only 7 in the BSAC. Bonnies scouting spirit has planted seeds in the lives of thousands, giving the vision and values for a solid foundation with direction and meaning to the things we cherish in the Boy Scouts of America.

Her community involvement continued in other volunteer programs with Lima Memorial Health Systems, Girl Scouts, and her church, South Side Christian Church of Lima. Bonnie was honored as the 2010 Jefferson Award winner and represented the community at the National Jefferson Awards in Washington, DC. She developed an in-school scouting program for Lima City Schools in the 1990’s and 2000s. Hundreds of youth were a part of this program and its impact is still felt today. Bonnies true impact can never measured 

She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Brock; son, David Shook; seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Lynn Shook.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at South Side Christian Church. Rev. Todd Cosart will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, or Boy Scouts of America. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.