Bonita J. “Bonnie” Abshire, 94, of Akron, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Brethren Village Retirement Community. Born in Three Rivers, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Forrest and Velta Corn Forrest Hilliard, and the step-daughter of the late Theodore Hilliard. She was a 1949 graduate of Three Rivers High School.
A homemaker, Bonnie was the loving wife of the late James D. “Jim” Abshire who died in May 2021 following 70 years of marriage. With a servant’s heart, Bonnie volunteered many years driving people to their medical appointments, helped deliver meals on wheels for the Ephrata area, taught Sunday school, and was a Girl Scout Brownie Leader in her early years. A creative self-taught sewer; she was well known within her family for making creative Halloween Costumes. Throughout her life, Bonnie was devoted to collecting owls and had a beautiful collection she would show to family and friends. Bonnie loved her family fiercely; and cherished all the time she could spend with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Surviving is a daughter, Janice L., wife of Donald E. Vinson of Akron; a son, James E., husband of Deborah A. Abshire of New Holland; four grandchildren: Dr. Keri Jo A., wife of Dr. Patrick J. McHugh, James D. Vinson, Erin R., wife of Michael J. Martin, and Teri L. Vinson; and five great-grandchildren: Liam, Payton, Fionn, Kathleen, and Cameron.
Preceding her in death was a brother, Irvin Forrest.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a service to celebrate Bonnie’s life at the Buch Funeral Home, 216 South Broad Street, Lititz, on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Bonnie’s memory to: Owl Research Institute, P.O. Box 39, Charlo, MT 59824. To send the family a message of condolence, please visit our website at: www.BuchFuneral.com.
Buch Funeral Home Lititz handled the arrangements.
