Bonnie Lorraine Schanz

Bonnie Lorraine Schanz (nee Winckelman), age 96, passed away on April 28, 2022 at her home in Milford, Ohio after a short illness. She is survived by her cherished and devoted daughter Cathy Schanz Fullen and loving son-in-law Chelsea Fullen, as well as nephews Bill (Nancy) Berry, Nick (Alana) Berry, Tim (Norma) Berry, multiple great-nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat Riley. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 33 years Robert Schanz, parents Albert and Leola (Sauer) Winckelman, sisters Alberta Elizabeth Schalk and Jeanne Marian Berry, brother Theodore (Ted) Earl Winckelman, and nephew Thomas Berry. Born on December 11, 1925, Bonnie was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio and also the University of Dayton, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Bonnie lived a full and active life and had many interests, but her lifelong passion was dancing. She began dancing at the age of 11 and by her twenties was dancing professionally in New York and other venues along the East Coast. After returning to Ohio, she owned a dance studio in Dayton and also later in Cincinnati. Her background in dance and choreography led her to become the choreographer for the Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleaders. She also spent many years as a choreographer for the Loveland Stage Company. Dancing until the end, Bonnie taught tap dancing to seniors at the Clermont County Senior Center until just a few weeks before her death. Bonnie was also a gifted teacher who touched the lives of many, and her passion for dancing was threaded throughout her teaching career. She began teaching in Preble County, Ohio as a band director, where she met and married her husband, Robert Schanz. After moving to Milford, Ohio, Bonnie continued her 30-year career in education teaching 4th grade, physical education, and art in the Milford Exempted Village School District. Throughout that time, she was actively involved in student theatrical productions, employing her artistic expertise designing and making costumes, designing sets, and choreographing production numbers. She also established and coached drill teams for several area schools, including Sycamore and Milford. Even after retirement, Bonnie continued to teach, tutoring individual students in her home, including special needs students well into her 80s. Aside from her love of dancing and teaching, Bonnie was a true friend and person who enjoyed giving to others. She was a longtime, active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Milford and was always the first person to offer help wherever it was needed. Bonnie Schanz was a multitalented and accomplished lover of life who will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and community. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11, starting at 5:30 pm, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 5657 Pleasant View Dr, Milford, Ohio, immediately followed by a funeral service at 7:00 pm. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice.