Elaine S. Bonner

Elaine Bonner, of James Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of pluck and resilience that carried her through to the very end.

Born Elaine Jane Ann Stubenrauch, on December 31, 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to parents Albert and Mabel, Elaine moved to South Carolina at the age of 6.

A Charlestonian since 1955, she and her husband, Lane, built their lives through hard work, raising four children, and flourishing socially with memberships in the Country Club of Charleston and the Hibernian.

Elaine lived a full and active life. She was a bookkeeper at the Charleston Naval Base Officer's Club and later performed bookkeeper duties for private individuals. She attended St. Philip's Church for over 60 years, volunteering in several capacities including altar guild and flower guild. She later joined Bethany United Methodist Church and was also a long-time volunteer for the Gibbes Art Gallery.

She was passionate about golf. For decades, Elaine played three times a week. She served on CALGA (Charleston Area Ladies Golf Association) and the JLGA (Jenkins Links Golf Association), helping promote the Ladies City Championship and guiding significant improvements at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course.

And Elaine loved to have fun and was quite the cut-up. She played bridge with friends. She spent many a Friday night on the dance floor at the Elks Lodge. She will always be remembered for her love of entertaining, travel, and being with family and friends.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Albert Stubenrauch; her husband of nearly 55 years, Lane L. Bonner, Jr.; her husband of 15 years, Gene Kizer; and her son Lane L. Bonner III.

She is survived by her children Catherine Johnson (Bobby), Elizabeth Colwell (John), David Bonner (Cheri), and grandchildren Matthew, Allison, Lane, Will, and Emilie. She is also survived by her brother, Bobby Stubenrauch.

The family would like to thank the staff of Bishop Gadsden. There are too many wonderful people to name, but Elaine would have wanted to recognize Josie, Ashleigh, and Jason of the physical therapy team, Trinity at the Glen, and Ashlee and Michelle at Myers Hall.

A service honoring her life will be held 1:00 PM, Thursday May 14, 2026 at the Chapel of Bishop Gadsden, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way. The family will receive guests before the service, beginning at 12:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Muni.

Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. (843) 766-1365.