Bonnie Gragson of Las Vegas, passed away Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007. Bonnie was born Feb. 8, 1913, in Mansfield, Ark., the fourth of seven children (four daughters, three sons) of James H. Henley and Elizabeth L. Cockrall Henley. She attended schools in Mansfield, and was married to Oran K. Gragson Dec. 21, 1934. The couple arrived in Nevada Christmas morning of that year, where Oran was employed in the construction of Hoover Dam. Except for brief periods in the 1930's when Oran was employed in highway construction in nearby Nevada cities, they have made their home in Las Vegas for more than 70 years. Bonnie has two children, born and raised in Las Vegas, her son, Kenneth and daughter, Shirley Aranda of Phoenix. Bonnie has four grandchildren, Todd (Angela) Gragson and Scott (Jill) Gragson of Las Vegas, and Thomas Gragson Aranda and Jacqueline Aranda of Phoenix; and four great grandchildren, Kenneth C., Lauren, Addison and Noah, all of Las Vegas. Bonnie completed the state board requirements and became a licensed practical nurse in 1950, after which she worked two years at UMC Hospital, and 13 years for Dr. Ross Sutherland. Later she was employed by Dr. Walter Norwood. She then retired from full-time employment to become the full-time "First Lady" of Las Vegas when Oran was elected Mayor in 1959–1975. Bonnie joined the Mesquite Club in 1960. She declined holding office in that organization because of her involvement in a great variety of other community activities, and is still an honorary member. She was also a charter member of the Emblem Club; a charter member of St. Jude's Auxiliary; Daylight Chapter; Eastern Star Daughters of the Nile; past president of the Eagle's Auxiliary and of the UMC Hospital Auxiliary; a charter member of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary; and St. Rose Dominican, among countless other charities and organizations. Bonnie still remained active with the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, after more than 20 years volunteer service. During this period, Oran served 12 years as chairman of the Board of Valley Hospital. Bonnie also remained active with 45 years of service at UMC and 30 years at St. Rose Dominican hospitals. Bonnie was a member of the First Baptist Church, at 9th and Bridger streets in Las Vegas, since the church was founded. She also taught Sunday school there for 29 years. Throughout her public and private life in Las Vegas, Bonnie has given countless thousands of hours in volunteer work, not only to the organizations named, but to a great many other civic, social, and charitable causes over more than a half-century. Bonnie was a "First Lady" to all whom new her. She was admired for her exemplary civic and humanitarian activities. In addition to her volunteer services, Bonnie loved playing cards, cooking, and being with family and friends. Their will be a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Palm Mortuary 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice at 3391 N. Buffalo, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Las Vegas Review Journal on January 09, 2007