Bernadette Marie Schoonover

Bernadette Marie (Bailly) Schoonover, 78 of Neodesha went to be with the lord and her Husband, Melvern on Saturday May 6, 2023, surrounded by her family. Bernadette Bailly was born October 5, 1945 in Chaumont, France. The daughter of Robert G. Bailly and Yvonne M (Wenjer) Bailly. On August 13, 1966 Bernadette arrived to The United States from France. She soon met and married the love of her life Melvern G. Schoonover on November 7, 1968 in Miami, Oklahoma. After Melvern retired they loved to travel, visiting 44 states and 10 countries.

Bernadette worked for the Neodesha Nursing Home for 34 years before retiring in 2001. She loved the residents and would even buy them gifts and sing Happy Birthday to them. Through the years Bernadette was PTA secretary, Cub Scout den mother, a dedicated blood donor-donating 21 gallons of blood. She was an active member of the St. Ignatius Catholic church and served on the altar society.

 Bernadette is survived by 3 sons, William and wife Mylinda Schoonover of Neodesha, Christopher Schoonover of Columbus, Kansas and Gary and wife Lorrie Schoonover of Wichita, Kansas and 2 daughters Diana Drake and Kimberly and husband Kenneth Schell of Cherryvale, Kansas. 1 sister Madeleine Au-Ray of Chaumont, France. 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, one on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bernadette is preceded in death by her husband Melvern, parents Robert & Yvonne Bailly, 4 sisters Jeannette, Agnes, Monique & Marie-Therese, a daughter Amanda Dannelson and granddaughter Summer Drake.

Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Friday May 12, 2023 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Ross Cemetery. Rosary will be held at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church Thursday May 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Memorials can be left in Bernadette’s name to The Ross Cemetery maintenance fund or to St. Ignatius Catholic Church and can be left with the Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha, KS.