Kathryn A. "Kitty"
Bonham,
a fourth generation Standardbred owner, passed away at home in Reston, Virginia
Sunday,
December 19, 2004,
following a short battle with cancer. Bonham was the founder and long-time
publisher of The Hoosier Horse Review. She served as Horseman Relations
Manager for Hoosier Park since the inaugural season in 1994.
A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Bonham was born in 1928, the eldest daughter of
Dr. Joy and Winifred Buckner. She graduated from Bluffton High School in 1946
and from Indiana University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and
Fine Arts. She married Robert W. Bonham Jr. in 1950. They resided in
Hartford City, Ind. where he practiced law until his death in
December 1986.
Bonham's grandfather, Fred Terry, owned and published The Horseman and Fair
World when the magazine was based in Indianapolis. When the company later moved
to Kentucky, Bonham founded the monthly newspaper, The Hoosier Horse
Review, in 1977. Bonham also held a clerk of course and charter's license,
working the Indiana county fair circuit for 25 years.
In addition to her work in the Standardbred racing industry, Bonham was involved
with the Republican Party, serving as City Vice-Chair for four successful
elections. She served as the Blackford County Chair for several Republican
statewide candidates and was elected to the at-large seat on the Hartford City
City Council in 1987. Bonham later served as mayor of Hartford
City from 1990 until 1991.
In 1983, Governor Robert Orr appointed Bonham to the Indiana Standardbred Board
of Regulations. She served on the committee until 1991. Governor Orr also
honored Bonham with "Sagamore of the
Wabash,"
the highest honor bestowed by Indiana governors.
Bonham was an avid artist and golfer. She was a member of Tri Kappa,
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the American Cancer
Society.
Bonham was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and a sister, Joyce Buckner
Thompson. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Sheila
Bonham, of Reston, Virginia. A sister, Caroline Newell of Bluffton, Ind.,
also survives. Bonham has three nephews.
In lieu of
flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Harness Horse Youth
Foundation (www.hhyf.org) or the donor's favorite charity.