Bonnie Carman Lee

Bonnie Carman Lee, 78, of Corinth, passed away peacefully at the UK Bluegrass Hospice Care Center on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Born on November 9, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Ova Lee and Frances Barnes Carman. She was raised alongside her siblings in Grayson County, where she developed a lifelong love of learning and an insatiable appetite for reading that remained with her throughout her life.

A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, Bonnie built a distinguished career with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Through dedication, intelligence, and hard work, she rose through the ranks to retire as Director of Individual Income Tax. She had an extraordinary command of tax law and could discuss tax codes with the same ease with which most people discuss the weather.

Bonnie possessed a sharp wit, an independent spirit, and a competitive streak. Around the card table, she was a formidable opponent, and anyone lucky enough to play with her knew they were unlikely to leave victorious. She also found joy in the kitchen, where family traditions were made around her Pineapple Upside Down Cake, homemade coleslaw, and her famous "Green Stuff"—recipes that became staples at family gatherings.

Though known for her strength, determination, and occasional stubbornness, Bonnie's greatest joy was always her family. Beneath her resilient exterior was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose devotion to those she loved never wavered.

She is survived by her children, Beth Lee (Mark) Hertweck, Melanie Lee (John Paul) Hanson, and Robert Scott (Erika) Lee; her grandchildren, Sarah Wilhoite, Leah Wilhoite, Hannah Hanson, Luke Hanson, Allie Hertweck, and Ella Hanson; her great-granddaughter, Carman Meadows; her siblings, Ova Lee Carman, Jr. and Carolyn Pearl; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Lee, in 2011.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at New Funeral Homes, 202 North Main Street, Owenton, Kentucky 40359. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow in Owenton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Owen County Public Library, a fitting tribute to Bonnie's lifelong love of reading and her hope that others would discover the same joy in books.