Eleanor Irene (Desch) Bonn
June 4, 1926 - Oct. 16, 2015
Eleanor Bonn of Albany passed peacefully of age-related causes Oct. 16, 2015, in Corvallis.
Ellie was born June 4, 1926, in Shaw, the oldest of five daughters of Frances and Charles Desch. When she was 13, she moved to Portland with her family.
Several years later, Ellie's family home in Portland suffered damage in a fire, and when the crew came to make repairs, she spotted a dimpled young man up on the roof, working with his family's business. She declared then and there she would marry that man one day - and she did. Ellie and Daniel Bonn wed July 29, 1944.
In the summer of 1951 the couple welcomed home their first child. Over the years of their marriage, Ellie and Dan would have a total of 12 children, the majority of whom were adopted.
After her husband's passing in 1984, she lived in Albany with her daughter Lori. Ellie enjoyed camping with her family, playing cards, reading and watching football. She was a faithful Catholic and longtime member of St. Mary's Church.
She was predeceased by two sons, David in 1957 and Danny in 1966; and her husband in 1984. She is survived by her children, Ken Bonn, of Corvallis, Becky (and Bill) Pierce of Portland, Tim (and Sandy) Bonn of Banks, David Bonn of Corvallis, Terese Bonn, of Bremerton, Washington, Lori Goebel (and Delbert) of Albany, Pam Pierce of Albany, Darrell Shafer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John Shafer of Corvallis, and Lisa (and Lucas) Messmer of Wrangell, Alaska; 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A reception will immediately follow the service. She will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. at Willamette Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to St. Jude Catholic Charities in her name.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements (aasum-dufour.com).