The Rev. George Harold Bonney (Harry) of Spring Arbor, Michigan, died Monday, March 23, at the age of 94 after a brief illness. He was the son of Clarence and Edith Bonney, born on Sept. 17, 1925, in Mitchell, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Marilyn Barber Bonney, and great grandson, Yakez Lee Semark, as well as three sisters: Doris May, Faith and Naomi. He is survived by four children: Bruce Bonney (Leslie DeJong), Grand Rapids, Michigan; Cindy Semark, Portage, Michigan; Barbara Bonney, Greendale, Indiana; Roann Bonney, Parchment, Michigan; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His brothers are Jesse Bonney (Virginia), Newberg, Oregon; Brian Bonney (Barbara), Fishersville, Virginia; Doane Bonney (Ruth) Greenville, Illinois. In 1997, Harry married Betty Jean Winget. Her children are Sharon Winget, Washington, D.C.; Kathryn Everhart (Timothy), Brooklyn, Michigan; Thomas Winget (Amy), Jackson, Michigan, and three grandchildren. His career in ministry with the Free Methodist Church spanned six decades, serving as a pastor of churches and the superintendent of the Southern Michigan Conference.
Due to restrictions surrounding the corona virus outbreak, a service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. The family expresses gratitude to the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their compassionate care during his final weeks and to the extended church family, friends and neighbors who showed love and support with visits, cards and calls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Harry’s 30 plus years of service on the board of Somerset Beach Campground may be sent to SBC, PO Box 307, Somerset Center, MI 49282. All gifts will go to the camp’s Vision Fund for debt retirement.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 ESV).