Obituaries

Bonnie H. Witmer, 79

September 27, 1944 - July 07, 2024

Bonnie H. Witmer, 79, of Lancaster, Pa. died on July 7, 2024. For 43 years, she was the wife of late husband Herbert N. Witmer, who passed away October 19, 2015.

Born in Reading Pa. on September 27, 1944, Bonnie graduated from Wm. Allen High School in Allentown, Pa. in 1962. She earned a B.S. in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College in 1966 and a Masters of Education from Millersville University in 1971.

Bonnie taught Elementary classes of 3rd grade and Learning -Disabled Students in the Lancaster City School District for 9 years. She also taught private piano lessons for 40 + years and was actively involved in The Lancaster Musical Art Society and several other musical organizations. She believed that she was blessed to be able to use the gift of music that God had given her to serve him, the church and to inspire others.

Bonnie was also an avid student of the Holy Bible from which she found her faith and understanding that every trial and blessing in her life was a gift from God.

Survivors: Son, Benjamin H. Witmer of Lancaster, Pa., sister Carol M. Hood of West Chester, Pa. and grandson Garrett M. Witmer.

She was predeceased by her parents George R. Hood Sr. and Thelma R. Hood, her husband Herbert N. Witmer, son Michael H. Witmer, brother George R. Hood Jr., and sister Robyn R. Hood.

Services and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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Condolences to the Family

July 16, 2024

Sending you many thoughts and prayers during this time, Ben. Bonnie played a big part in my life and I am thankful for the memories she was then able to make with my daughters as well. She will always be remembered fondly. Prayers for you. Sending lots of love and a big hug.  Stefanie, Garey, Aveline, Victoria and Sofia Bell 

July 13, 2024

Bonnie was a give for me; I meet her just for weeks but she give me courage to keep helping people as a nurse, It was my pleasure to meet that beautiful soul, my prayers are with her Son!!! I’ll never forget her!!
Gena silva

July 12, 2024

When I first she was my third grade teacher at George Washington school. She was an amazing teacher. She spent time with me that most teachers wouldn’t even spend when I left George Washington school. I haven’t seen her for over 14 years. I was working at Giants. She came in my line and she stared at me and I stared at her and she said to me is your name Monica Woods and I looked at her and I said yes and then I stared at her. I said oh my God you’re miss saucer because of that time that’s what her name was I left behind my register , and we gave each other the biggest hug with this lady here had a major impact in my life. I love her so much. I had the opportunity to go and see her before she passed. We have always stay connected until I moved and she found a way to get a hold of me and let me know , she was sick. I flew to Pennsylvania to be with her last time. My heart is sad but I know she’s in a better place and she is resting well I love you Bonnie Witmer and I will never ever forget you. Thank you for being a great teacher, thank you for being a friend , may God keep you wrapped in the bosom of his chest and his arms wrapped around you tightly give Ben strength and endurance to move on it will not be easy remember remember she will always be with you and spirit, Bonnie, may you always rest in peace
Monica Woods

July 11, 2024

Ben, I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was a great lady, I always enjoyed speaking with her. I was saddened to hear about Mike’s death a few years back as well. I’m praying for your comfort. I know this is a rough time. 
Tara Prescott

July 11, 2024

Ben, your mom was loved by many for so many reasons. My mom and I was glad to see you both at Garret’s wedding. I also remember stories during the FOT that she told about you and Mike growing up. She cherished her family. Praying for solice in your loss. Love, Fred and Sherilyn Merritt

July 11, 2024

We’re sorry to hear of the great loss. We were privileged to get to know Herb & Bonnie at a couple of Feasts of Tabernacles from 2009-2014. We want to offer our condolences to the family. We pray that God will comfort you all and grant you of His peace while you mourn the loss of a beloved family member. Cornie & Sara Banman, La Crete, Alberta, Canada.

July 11, 2024

We are sorry for your loss Ben. May God give you comfort as you grieve the loss of your mother. Steve and Rhonda Diggins

July 11, 2024

Ben, I am very sorry to read this. Bonnie was always super sweet to me at the feast. Just a wonderful person. You and Garrett will be in my thoughts and prayers. She lived a fantastic life! 
 
Kelly Ford

July 11, 2024

Ben. I’m so sorry about Bonnie’s passing. I believe she’s in the arms of Herb and Mike.  She was always super nice to us. Greeted us the first week we moved in with a house plant and a big smile. Talking with her through the years. A great lady. She no longer suffers and plays her music in the heavens with no pain. Hugs Ben and love and prayers.  
Shana, Frank and Austin Robinson

July 11, 2024

I had Bonnie for my third grade teacher and I will never forget her she was awesome and the best teacher I ever had never forgot her
always wanted to see her again  Beverly Reece

July 11, 2024

Our condolences to you, Ben! We here at CGG appreciated Bonnie’s insight and talents but especially her loyalty to God. We wish you all the best!
Richard T. Ritenbaugh

July 11, 2024

Our condolences to Ben, Garret and Bonnie’s extended family. We knew Bonnie, Herb and Mike through the COG and the times we visited with them in Jefferson City, MO and other locations when coming together for the FOT. We look forward to seeing Bonnie, Herb and Mike again in the Resurrection. Charles and Joan Feldbush and Teresa our daugher.

July 10, 2024

See I have known Bonnie for many years.  She gave me many helpful tips about playing piano ( I was a piano student in Harrisburg, Pa).  I attended church with her. She’s just a lovely person.
Jan Skipper

July 10, 2024

Dear Ben and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bonnie was a wonderful person.
Dean and Sue Vitatoe

July 10, 2024

Dear Ben and Family,
We were sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. 
Though in recent years, we saw each other only occasionally, your mother was a dear friend. I, Karen, still have fond memories of making music together in your home and at church. She has blessed many during her lifetime, including piano students and school students.
I, Ken, still remember the time your parents allowed my then future wife, Karen, to stay in their home until she obtained a job and her own apartment.
Ken and I are praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Ken and Karen Fahnestock

July 10, 2024

Ben,
Your mother touched countless lives over the years with her seemingly tireless service in music, her counsel and her encouraging conversations.  We valued the depth of her conversion, her counsel and her friendship.  We are so sorry for your loss, Ben.  Please, know you are not forgotten by us.   Much love, The Grabbe Family (David, Mikele & children) 

July 10, 2024

Sincere sympathy on the loss of Bonnie. I knew her through Lancaster Music Teachers Association and always appreciated her gentle spirit. She made great contributions to Lancaster’s musical world through her work with Musical Art Society and the many piano students over the years.
Elaine Severein

July 10, 2024

Ben, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was an inspiration and gift from God to anyone who met her and I was one of those lucky ones. You will be in my prayers forever, I know how much you loved each other. Sending prayers and love, Helen Seiss, West Chester, PA

July 10, 2024

Hello, Your mom had a good heart, wanting to be of service and to produce beautiful music.   I remember her patiently accompanying our church chorale in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.  We were fortunate to sing songs she wrote to praise God.  I don’t know if she wrote non-religious pieces, I admired the ones we heard.  One time she wrote about “the lion shall lie down with the lamb” and said she wrote it for my voice. I was afraid to hit the highest notes and she rewrote it in a lower key, it had so many sharps in the key signature. I didn’t understand until later how difficult it was but she did it, and what a pretty song.  At your dad’s funeral I told an old story and she was so happy about it.  She had a strong desire to always do the right thing, even if it was difficult.  She was humble and passed on attention to other people.  I liked her.  I’m sorry for your loss.  You were a joy to her, for certain.
Patty Bogol Gaugler

July 10, 2024

Dear Ben -Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers with the loss of your Mother.  She was a lovely person.
Brian and Sue Blumenschein

July 10, 2024

Beginning in the fall of 1969 I worked several hours a day in Bonnie’s 3rd grade classroom. She continued mentoring me all through college, and even after. I learned SO much from Bonnie and appreciated her immensely!!!!
As time happened, we fell out of touch, but I have always thought of her with fondness and great regard !!!
I am saddened to hear of her passing and extend condolences to each of you. Bonnie will always live in my memories. Blessings to each of you. 
Laura Reed Ferenczy

July 10, 2024

Dear Ben and family,
We were shocked to see in the paper that your mom had died! We will always remember her beautiful piano playing and her helpful nature and her desire to follow God’s ways. Our prayers are with you as you grieve her loss.
Jim and Sue Johns 

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