Bonita Gail Popplewell

October 16, 1936 — November 11, 2025

Osawatomie, Kansas

Bonita Gail Popplewell, age 89, of Osawatomie, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Colonial Oaks of Spring Hill.

Gail was born on October 16, 1936, in Osawatomie, Kansas, the eldest of two children born to Lantson and Betty (Ensle) Winters. She graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to attend St. Luke’s School of Nursing, where she earned her degree and became a Registered Nurse.

Throughout her career, Gail dedicated herself to caring for others, working at several healthcare facilities including St. Luke’s on the Plaza, Olathe Medical Center, and Associates in Family Care in Osawatomie. From 1970 through the early 1980s, she served as the school nurse for the Osawatomie School District, where her compassion and kindness touched the lives of many students and families.

While attending nursing school, Gail went on a blind date with the love of her life, Paul James Popplewell. The two were married on January 17, 1959, and together they raised two daughters, Dana and Kyna. In 1969, they made their home in Osawatomie, where they built a life full of love, family, and laughter.

Gail was a gifted artist whose creativity shone through in many forms. She loved painting oil portraits and sketching with charcoal. She was also a talented seamstress, lovingly making clothes for her daughters as they grew up. Known for her warmth and generosity, Gail was also an excellent cook—her vegetable soup was a family favorite.

In retirement, Gail and Paul shared a passion for travel, exploring the United States and Canada together. Their adventures created cherished memories that their family will always treasure.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Popplewell; daughter, Kyna Popplewell; parents, Lantson and Betty Winters; and brother, Douglas Winters.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Nathan Blume; three granddaughters, Ashley (Brandon) Olson, Amber (Brandon) Gray, and Allyce Blume; and twelve great-grandchildren—Camryn, Caridee, Carli, Cannon, Skilor, Ethan, Leeland, Liberty, Avalyn, Anderson, Aldon, and Remington—who lovingly called her “GiGi.”

Gail will be remembered for her gentle heart, artistic spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of kindness and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, 203 Main Street, Osawatomie, Kansas.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on November 14, 2025.)