Eunice Bonk, 90, of Lebanon, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at her home.
Eunice was born Jan. 24, 1926 in Buffalo, N.Y., the daughter of Henry and Eleanor (Kaeselau) Bunte.
She was raised in Buffalo and attended college at Valpa-raiso University in Indiana. She became a teacher and organist in Lutheran/Christian church-schools in St. Louis, Cleveland, Tucson and San Diego. Her first job was with The Lutheran Hour radio program for then-famous Rev. Dr. Meyer, as editor and organist!
In 1953, she married David “Buddy, Tex” Elser, also a teacher in Fairview, Ohio. They moved to Oregon after having camped here during summer travels and they loved the scenery.
Her husband David “Tex” preceded her in death on June 20, 1999.
Eunice married Eugene “Gene” Bonk on April 26, 2003 in Lebanon. He shared her fun-loving but dedicated outlook on life!
Becoming ill with both Alzheimer’s and dementia, she fought a long, slow erasing of her mind and skills. Now she can rest in the dwelling place of the Heavenly Father, who had blessed us all through Eunice’s wisdom and faith!
Eunice was a member of Christ Community Lutheran Church in Lebanon and very involved in Christian worship as well as fellowship activities. She was trained classically in keyboard and voice.
A very talented artist, she specialized in watercolor painting and taught lessons for adult education. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, flower gardening, and crafting.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Bonk of Lebanon; daughters Ronda Barton of Sweet Home and Donna Miller of Lebanon; sisters Phyllis Rollo of Lancaster, N.Y. and Sharon Liguori of Rushford, N.Y.; and her granddaughter Heather (Everett) Fraley.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Russel Bunte; and sister Carol Kinsey.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Christ Community Lutheran Church, 690 S. 10th Street, Lebanon, Ore.
Private burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home. Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Christ Community Lutheran Church for the new church building and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.