Obituaries

Arbuta Wagner Boothman, 96

April 21, 2023

Arbuta Wagner Boothman died in her sleep following a four-day illness on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the age of 96. The daughter of Clemens and Abbie Wagner, Bonnie was born on a farm in Turbotville, PA, on March 13, 1927, the fourth of five children.

After Bonnie completed high school and one year at Bloomsburg Normal School, she was graduated from University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Hygiene, ranked second in her class. While completing an internship as a hygienist in Lancaster, she met and married Dr. Richard E. Boothman. Together they ran a dental practice for over 40 years and were married 45 years until his death in 1997.

Their family includes two daughters: Kathy Rill (companion of Barry Shellhammer) and Amy (David) Humphreville; three grandchildren: Meghan (Michael) Marcarelli, Krista Unger, and Andrew (Laura) Humphreville; and eight great-grandchildren: Olivia, Emma, William, Baron, Aria, Preston, Lucas, and Autumn. Bonnie is also survived by a brother, Arthur (Rosemary) Wagner of MN, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

Bonnie’s passions included her family, friends, flowers, dental hygiene, and making someone’s day a better one. She was a member of the Women’s Garden Club for over 45 years, Trinity UCC Church in East Petersburg, and the Susquehanna Unit of the Herb Society of America. Bonnie loved creating beautiful floral arrangements, sharing homemade treats like chocolate cake and strawberry pie, and appreciating nature—both on and off the golf course. With her family and friends, Bonnie was faithful, kind, and understanding. She genuinely loved people.

During her time at Mennonite Home on Boyers Run and then Jackson Run, Bonnie received responsive, compassionate care. To the day she died, she appreciated all that had been done for her. Appreciation was a special quality of hers. As a family, we are also grateful to all who cared for our Mum and Mummum.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a memorial service on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Trinity UCC, 2340 State Street, East Petersburg, PA, with Pastor Chris Rankin officiating. A visiting hour at the church will start at 1:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be kindly accepted in Bonnie’s memory to The Mennonite Communities Benevolent Fund at 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, or Trinity UCC at the address above.

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Condolences to the Family

May 10, 2023

So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. I only knew her for a short time when my husband and myself moved to Kenilworth. She lived two doors down and treated us like family. I always called her my angel. As it turned out my daughter got to know her when she worked at Woodcrest and now her daughter, my granddaughter, got to know her at the Mennonite Home, where she works. Both were very saddened to hear. She was a very special lady. God grant her eternal rest. 🙏🙏🙏 Estherita E Butler

May 08, 2023

I was so sorry to hear that Bonnie had passed. But I was also grateful for being able to get to know her through her friendship with Mom. I enjoyed when she joined the ladies and came to watch our volleyball games. And of course her passion with gardens was a shared pleasure. I am sorry for your loss, but am comforted by the huge presense she had in so many lives.
Jill Luettgens

May 04, 2023

Dear Boothman Family,
We were saddened to learn of your mother’s / grandmother’s passing. We share our sympathy and our fond memories of Bonnie with you. Bonnie had such a kind and creative spirit. We feel fortunate to have benefited directly and indirectly from her presence, as well as, her many wonderful flower arrangements and other creations.
Tobe Rohrer and family

May 03, 2023

Kathy and Amy-
My sincere condolences to all your family. I have many fond memories of your mother from our childhood years.
Susan Cantwell

May 01, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Boothman family in the loss of your mother. your former neighbor, Kyvele Karpouzis

May 01, 2023

Deepest sympathy to all of the Boothman family. Mrs. Boothman was a joy to know; a real lady.
Deborah Dunn

April 30, 2023

I truly loved your mother (grandmother). She took me under her wing in the mid 80’s when I first joined the Women’s Garden Club and we Remained good friends. She. Was a wonderful lady. I know how much she loved all of you. Blessings, Marilyn Nyland

April 30, 2023

Sincere condolences to all Bonnie’s family. She was an exercise friend, and we spent many hours at Dunkin Donuts discussing our many travels, and families. I will miss you Bonnie.
Pat Scott

April 30, 2023

So sorry to hear this, thinking of all of you.
Mark Pollock

April 30, 2023

Joel and I are blessed to have known Mummum. Our fondest memories are her zest for life and Mummum’s kind, gentle demeanor. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Anne

April 27, 2023

Bob and I are sending our sincerest sympathy to Bonnie’s family. We knew Bonnie for many years and enjoyed her tremendously. She had a quick wit and a breathtaking smile that she showed often. We will miss all her kindness and understanding that she extended to all who knew her. Bonnie was a wonderful human being and demostrated her love for others wherever she was. The world is a better place for us because we knew her and loved her always. We will miss her but know that she is at peace and has no pain anymore. Good-bye, Arbuta (Bonnie)
Bob and Darlene Shockey

Visitation: Saturday, May 20, 2023; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Trinity UCC; 2340 State Street; East Petersburg, PA 17520
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, May 20, 2023; 2:00 PM; Trinity UCC; 2340 State Street; East Petersburg, PA 17520
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >