Bonnie Bailey Rhea

Bonnie Bailey Rhea passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Bonnie was born on December 17, 1937, to Rose and Lewis Bailey in Dover, Delaware. After graduating from Dover High School, she attended Beaver College (now Arcadia University).

After college, she worked at the Bank of Delaware. During that time, she met Orville (Bud) Rhea on a blind date while he was serving in the Air Force.

They married on July 30, 1960, at The People’s Church of Dover, United Church of Christ. They were just one month shy of their 65th wedding anniversary when her beloved Bud passed away on June 28, 2025.

After their wedding in Dover and honeymoon in Rehoboth Beach, Bonnie and Bud hitched a trailer behind Bonnie’s sporty blue Ford convertible and drove down to Orlando to start their life together. Bud’s new job at The Martin Company was waiting for him upon their return.

Soon after arriving in Orlando, they joined the First Presbyterian Church, where they were active and faithful members for over 50 years. Bonnie served in several volunteer roles over the years there, including being a Deacon, teaching Sunday School and coordinating prayer requests. She and Bud also belonged to a church small group that they met faithfully with for over 30 years.

Bonnie was a loving mother and devoted homemaker. Our family home was a welcome place for childhood friends and neighbors to congregate over the years. She kept the home front running smoothly while shuttling us to different activities and supporting us in our many childhood endeavors.

When the children were younger, she was involved in the PTA and as a Brownie troop leader. Later in her life, she volunteered at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Guest Services and the Hubbard House, helping to prepare meals for patients' families.

After the children were older, Bonnie fulfilled her love of travel and went back to school to become a travel agent starting in 1984. She did this for 20 years, planning many dream trips for her clients as well as her and Bud. During this time, they took many amazing trips all over the world. Some of these include, Australia, Europe, Great Britain, Ireland, Russia, Canada, Costa Rica, Bermuda, and nearly all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. Bonnie also worked as an Avon Lady for years, serving many of her neighbors and making new friends along the way.

After they moved to the Orlando Lutheran Towers in 2016, she and Bud were active participants in many special activities and volunteer committees.

Bonnie was a take-charge person. For many years, she planned and helped coordinate travel for a cousins' reunion to Orlando and other destinations on her mother’s side of the family. Those were meaningful gatherings for all involved. Bonnie cared deeply for her family and friends. She was always thinking of others and lending a hand where needed, quietly and without fanfare.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Bud and leaves behind her children Diane, Michael and Douglas, along with 3 grandchildren, Brandon, Cristian and Owen and her sister Brenda Carter.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Orlando Lutheran Towers, 300 E Church St, Orlando, FL, on September 19th at 11:00 am.

If you would like to make a gift in her memory, please consider Vitas Charitable Foundation, https://vitascommunityconnection.org.