Bonita "Bonnie" Suzanne Cairns Descoteaux

Bonita (Bonnie) Cairns Descoteaux

April 8, 1951 – April 29, 2026

Bonita "Bonnie" Cairns Descoteaux, 75, of Wilmore, Kentucky, was promoted to glory on April 29, 2026. Bonnie was born on April 8, 1951, and lived a life of extraordinary grace; one marked by quiet sacrifice, boundless love, and a devotion to God and others that never wavered.

She grew up in the Salvation Army which took her across the country, from Kansas City, Missouri, to Leavenworth, Kansas; Flint, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and St. Louis, Missouri — before she found her way to Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, the place she studied at, taught at, and would ultimately call home. It was during those formative years, amid the civil rights movement of the 1960s, that Bonnie participated in the sit-ins — an experience that lit the fire for what would become her life's calling: social work.

Bonnie never saw social work as a career. It was an extension of who she was; a woman whose empathy ran deep and whose instinct was always to see the person in front of her and offer her hand to help. She earned her PhD and went on to teach as a college professor of social work for 34 years, pouring herself into her students. The number of people she impacted is hard to fathom; the results of her teaching which multiplied in the students she touched and inspired as they worked to serve those during times of hardship and struggle. Generations of students were shaped not only by her knowledge, but by her example, the quiet strength and the heart for God.

Family was at the center of her focus, and her children were cherished by her. Motherhood combined with her faith was not simply something Bonnie practiced; it was the very foundation she stood on. Her steadfast faith even through times of unimaginable grief is such a testimony to the unwavering trust in the Lord. That resilience, born of trust in God, was one of the most profound testimonies of her life.

To be in Bonnie's presence was a gift. She had a calm that settled a room, a warmth that made you feel instantly loved, and a selflessness that was her default. She was, in the truest sense, a saint.

Bonnie is survived by her beloved husband, William Descoteaux; her sons, Josh and Ben Descoteaux; her grandchildren, Haley, Kyler, Everett, and Harrison; and her sister, Elaine Hartung.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Cairns; her mother, Selma Burr; and her daughter, Jennifer Descoteaux.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Wilmore Free Methodist Church, 1200 Lexington Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM.

In Memoriam

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Bonnie's honor. To recognize Bonnie’s devotion, Asbury University has established the Dr. Bonnie Descoteaux Social Work Student Achievement Fund to support sponsorships for the social work honor society and provide students with opportunities to advance their achievements, a living reflection of Bonnie's lifelong investment in student success and the social work profession.

Donations may be made by check payable to Asbury University (with "Dr. Bonnie Descoteaux Student Fund" noted in the memo line) or online at

asbury.edu/give/give-online (also noting the Dr. Bonnie Descoteaux Student Fund).

This obituary was lovingly submitted by her family. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Bonnie and her family in their time of need.