Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Bonnie J. Williston

Bonnie J. Williston, age 91, a lifelong Shelby resident, died Tuesday night, November 5, 2019 at Crystal Care Center in Mansfield.

Bonnie was born January 23, 1928 in Shelby to the late Albert R. and Lillian M. (Remmy) Hartz. She was a graduate of Shelby High School and was a former employee of Wilkins Air Force Depot and American Tower Company, both in Shelby, and had also been an Avon representative. Even though Bonnie worked outside of the home, her primary job, which she loved, was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed being a homemaker and made certain to teach her grandchildren, especially Heather and Kay whom she raised, the importance of caring for each other and talents like sewing and baking. Her family was always first and serving God with great faith was a priority. She was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Shelby.

Survivors include 2 sons: Robert W. (Cynthiana) Williston, III of Shelby and John Dennis Williston of Texas; 6 grandchildren, including: Heather Knipp; Kristy Ferguson, John Dennis Williston, Jr., Michael Williston, and Robert W. Williston, IV; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a sister: Patricia Montgomery of Plymouth; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Robert W. Williston, Jr. on September 14, 1994; a granddaughter: Doreen Kay Roose; and her siblings: Albert J. Hartz, George M. Hartz, C. Dean Hartz, Edwin M. Hartz, and Mary Steel.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Pastor William Cantlebarry will officiate the services with burial following in Little London Cemetery on the corner of Plymouth Springmill Road and Smiley Avenue, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, Shelby and left in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.PenwellTurner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Mindy Utz says:

    Pat & family,

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in thought and prayer.

  2. John D. Williston Sr says:

    To a loving Mother that will be missed greatly!!! Love You Always John

  3. Cynthianna C. Williston says:

    Mom Williston was the matriarch of the family, and I will always hold a deep love and respect in my heart for my dear, sweet, unselfish mother (-in-law). She was one of the most loving, truly caring, sweet people whom I have ever been blessed to know.
    When I first met her, she took me aside to talk with me. She won me over that day, because straight from her heart, she said, “In our family, there are NO STEPS ! ” She said, ” You’re MY DAUGHTER NOW !
    Mom Williston always made me feel welcomed, wanted, and worthwhile.
    In the five years that I’ve known her, I really enjoyed talking with her, and just being around her. She was quite a lady ! She never could quite say my name right, (Cynthianna), so whenever she saw me, I was always greeted with a big smile, and her joyful exclamation, “There’s my sweetheart !” I definitely knew that she loved me.
    I love you too, Mom Williston !
    Always & Forever,
    Cynthianna C. Williston

  4. Donna Raymond says:

    I’m truly sorry to hear of the loss of Bonnie! She was such a joy to be around at Crystal Care Center, enjoying being involved in Activities, especially our sewing group!! Loved talking to her and will miss her beautiful face!! So very sorry!

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