Bonnie was born in Sabraton, West Virginia, to John Asa Shay and Leona Mildred Cale Shay on April 26, 1932. She was crowned Buckwheat Princess in 1949 and looked forward to returning every year to the Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, WVa with her lifelong friend, Heiki Graef. She graduated from Kingwood High School, Kingwood, West Virginia in 1950 and was a graduate of West Virginia Business College. She worked at Fairmont Supply, in Fairmont, W.Va. and at West Virginia University. Bonnie moved to NJ in 1959 and was employed by the Toms River Regional Schools for 32 years as a head secretary for the Adult School. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Toms River for 60 years and loved giving back to the community by participating in bake sales, providing food for the homeless, and making crafts for the Christmas Bizarre. She loved singing church hymns which always brought peace to her soul. Country Roads was also a favored song that brought her mind back to her home, West Virginia, every time she heard it.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Mark Ball, and sister, Dolores Jean Shay Rodeheaver.
Bonnie is survived by daughters Pamela Biele Dittenhofer and husband Alan, Lanoka Harbor, Deanna Buccella and husband Anthony (TJ), Toms River, and her sister, Dottie Sue Brand, Bridgeport, WV., four grandchildren, Drema Jane Carpenter, Florida, Frankie Biele, Lacey Twsp. , Matthew Buccella, Camille Buccella, Toms River.
Her kind, sweet and funny personality will be missed by all that knew her. We will cherish the memories of Bonnie and hold them forever in our hearts.
A Memorial Gathering will take place at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St, Toms River, NJ from 3 - 7 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2020.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Toms River, 129 Chestnut St, Toms River, NJ on Monday, February 17th at 11:00.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation, Ascend Hospice, First United Methodist Church of Toms River, and Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorial contributions to the following:
The First United Methodist Church Singspirations, Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey Connection Thru Music Program, American Cancer Society.
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