Dorothy Louise Bonner, age 86 years, a resident of Parsons, WV, departed this life Wednesday afternoon, June 15, 2016 at Nella’s Incorporated at Elkins, WV with her family at her side and under the care of Hospice Care Corporation. She had been a patient at Nella’s since November of 2015. Prior to that, she had been a resident of Granville Manor at Parsons. She had been in declining health for the past three years.
She was born Thursday, August 15, 1929 at Parsons, WV, a daughter of the late Willie J. and Gertrude Flanagan Bonner. She had never married. Surviving are one sister, Virginia Naomi Stokes of Elkins; a special nephew, Richard C. Stokes and wife Madonna of Elkins; and a special niece, Linda L. Fredrick and husband John of Morgantown.
Preceding her in death is one infant brother; and one brother- in -law, Foster “Dick” Stokes.
Dorothy was a graduate of Parsons High School with the class of 1950. During her years following graduation, she was employed as a switchboard operator at Parsons, and an employee for many years at Dorman Mills at Parsons, in the spinning department. She had worked for a period of time in Ohio at a factory which manufactured tubes and circuit boards. She then returned to West Virginia and worked for the Reidbord Brothers Company, Inc. at Elkins and later at the Bata Shoe Factory at Beverly. Also during her years of employment she worked at Hinchcliff Lumber Company at Hendricks and last at Parsons Shoe Factory, where she worked until her retirement.
She attended and was an active member of the Hambleton Church of the Brethren and upon its closure, attended the Parsons Church of God.
Dorothy was known by her family as the “jack of all trades”. She was an avid seamstress making, as well as mending clothing, for her family. She loved making quilts, and knitting, etc. Not only did she spend time working with her skills as a seamstress, etc. she served her family as a barber and beautician. Nobody needed to go to a hairdresser, as she always had her scissors handy for the next one who needed a hair trim or a nice perm.
She and her sister Virginia also got involved with making special decorated cakes. Dorothy along with her sister made a beautiful wedding cake for her niece Linda’s wedding.
Dorothy enjoyed working outside and was particularly happy when working in the garden. She enjoyed all types of yard work and at various times, she could be seen trimming trees and also tried her hand at a certain amount of carpentry.
She had so many interests and she wasn’t afraid to try anything new. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading her Bible and had a great love for Gospel Music. One highlight for her was when she was able to travel to Charleston to attend Bill Gaither Concerts.
Dorothy was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed by many.
The family received friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2016. A funeral service was conducted at the funeral home parlor on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Rev. Eli D. Hostetler officiated and interment followed at the Parsons City Cemetery at Parsons, WV. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Dorothy Louise Bonner. Condolences may be expressed to the family at; www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.
