Eleanor Bonner

Eleanor Bonner passed away peacefully on February 26, 2011 at Bortz Health Care. She was born June 21, 1929 in Mancelona to Nettie and Cecil Lamerson. Eleanor had a love of music, playing trombone in high school and the piano and organ in her adult years, along with singing in church choirs. She married Ward Bonner on July 3, 1948. They lived in the Detroit area for 20 years and then moved up north when they purchased the Mancelona Motel. She was active in the Mancelona United Methodist Church. She later became the Mancelona Township Librarian. Eleanor and Ward also lived in Gaylord and Elk Rapids. She was active in the United Methodist Churches and she worked for the Commission on Aging, preparing senior meals. After Ward passed away in 1998, she moved to Traverse City to be closer to her son Fred and daughter Lois. Eleanor was a strong Christian woman, who enjoyed reading the Bible, attending church and Sunday School. She became a member of Central United Methodist Church. She also loved to laugh and spend time with her family, sharing good food and a never-ending pot of coffee. She really enjoyed watching baseball, especially her team, the Detroit Tigers, and looked forward to the start of every season. She is survived by her brother Bob Lamerson (Judy) of Westland; son Fred (Kathy) Bonner of Traverse City, daughter Lois (Nick) Edson of Traverse City, and Son-In-Law Dan Walcott of Gaylord. She was preceded in death by her husband Ward and her daughter Ann Walcott. One of her greatest joys in her life was her 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandsons. The grandchildren include Erin and Melissa Bonner; Katie (Jeff) Basinski, Andy Walcott and Elaine Walcott; Amy (Jim) Sanderson; Christopher Edson and Kelli Edson. Her great grandsons are Colin, Tanner and Peyton Basinski and Hunter and Ryan Sanderson. Her funeral services will be held at Mortensen Funeral Home in Mancelona on Wednesday March 2nd at 2 p.m. Visitation will be on Tuesday March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. Yousef "Yogi" Jabara will officiate the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Mancelona United Methodist Church, 117 E. Hinman St., Mancelona, MI 49659. Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com