Shirley Marie Bonta

December 29, 1944 – August 16, 2026

Shirley Marie Bonta—known to her inner circle by a legendary roster of aliases including Graum, Boons, Boofy, and Bon Bon—officially served her last call for alcohol at 7:02 PM on August 16, 2026. She was 81 years young, living in Bowling Green, KY, and stubbornly held out to ensure she made her grand exit on the exact same calendar day as Elvis Presley.

Born in Troy, Ohio to the late Geneva and Edward Dempsey, Shirley grew up with several siblings: John Dempsey (and his late wife Sharon), Sue Braddy, Leslie Dempsey, and Tom Dempsey (Blanche). At 21, Shirley’s life was further blessed when Imogene Buie entered her world, becoming a cherished mother figure and central part of her family story. Through Imogene, she gained bonus siblings who felt every bit like real brothers and sisters; Sandra Buie Welch, Janice Buie Smith, Chuck Buie, and Faye Jean Buie Gibson.

Shirley spent her career mixing drinks as a bartender and working at Cosmolab, but her real achievements weren't on a resume. She held championship titles in three major categories: World’s Greatest Mother and Grandmother, Country Line Dancing Royalty, and Unstoppable Karaoke Sensation. If there was a microphone nearby or a country beat dropping, Shirley was leading the charge.

When she wasn't out dancing everyone half her age, Shirley was winning board games, going swimming in her pool, caring for her beloved baby dolls, and embarking on trips to Walmart—a sacred pastime. What she would’ve given for just one last aisle-by-aisle run, nobody knows. She spent her retired years being the very best Graum to Chandler; by teaching her how to drive, spending countless hours playing games like Sudoku, marbles, and jigsaw puzzles. An internet star in her own right, Shirley captured hearts across the web with her hilarious, quacky videos. She truly never met a stranger, carried a spirit of pure joy, and walked through life firmly believing there was good in absolutely everyone. She tortured her family with Law and Order - SVU on the TV for 24 hours a day.

Shirley leaves behind a family who will carry on her fun-loving legacy: her daughter Theresa Flynt and wife Natalie, her granddaughter Chandler Flynt (Donavon Alderson), her niece Anita Pollock, her nephew Jason Sparks, and a whole army of nieces and nephews and a lifetime of hilarious memories.

Shirley spent her final years living at Signature Healthcare, where she left a heartbreak like nobody’s business—the staff and friends there have cried for her non-stop from Thursday through Sunday, a true testament to how deeply she was loved by everyone who crossed her path.

The family knows Shirley is currently singing karaoke with The King himself right about now—probably asking him if he wants to hit up Walmart afterward.

Arrangements for cremation have been made with Cone Funeral Home and Crematory to fulfill Shirley's final wish of having a smoking hot body.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held on Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Cone Funeral Home.