Diane Kennette Bonefas' Obituary
Diane Kennette "Di" Bonefas February 18, 1953 – April 3, 2025
Diane Kennette “Di” Bonefas of New Caney, TX passed away on April 3, 2025, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer—a fight she met with grit, grace, and sass.
Born in Danville, Illinois on February 18, 1953, to Frances Terrell and Flora Dean “Pat” Hiott, Di came into the world already full of heart. She was sentimental to the core, fiercely loyal, and full of the kind of warmth that came wrapped in quirky gifts and a card for every single holiday (literally every holiday) usually with a bit of cash tucked inside.
Di's life was marked by many chapters—some hard, some hilarious, all full of meaning. Having moved around early in life, she landed in Oak Harbor, WA and married Mick Newman in 1972. Together, they welcomed a son, Mick Jr., and daughter, Maca. Moving to Houston was the result of a second marriage that ended, much to everyone’s relief. Then, she found a love for a lifetime.
She and Chris Bonefas met in the aftermath of respective divorces in 1993 and married in 1997, making it the longest rebound relationship in history. Chris healed her heart, and over the last 32 years, was her partner in crime, confidant, soft place to land, and the keeper of Saturday Dairy Queen runs and nightly hot chocolate routines. They were inseparable, from simple errands to long road trips.
Di made friends everywhere she went and treated them like family. Her capacity for love was deep, and her circle wide. She had a second act in life that she was especially proud of: fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
Her favorite quote, “Just as long as we have we,” perfectly captures the way she treasured her family and leaned on those she loved.
She leaves behind her husband Chris; son Mick and daughter-in-law Bridget of Palo Alto, CA; daughter Maca and son-in-law Holton of Lake Stevens, WA; treasured granddaughters Ainsley Ferguson, Ellery Ferguson, and Kora Newman; siblings Joe Fell (Shirley), Dan Terrell (Selena), and Tammy Welch. She is preceded in death by her father, Frances Terrell; mother, Flora Dean “Pat” Hiott; and brother Kenneth.
Di was tiny in stature but mighty in spirit and strong in her Catholic faith. Life handed her more than a fair share of challenges, but she met them all with determination. She was resilient, loving, snarky, and scrappy. She gave her love freely and without hesitation. And she will be so very missed.
Funeral services will be held at South Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 1301 N Main St. in Pearland, on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. and a graveside committal immediately following.
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