Bonita Jean “Bonnie” Hellinger, 75, of New Haven, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
She was born on June 10, 1947, in Bluffton, to Donald E. and Marilyn M. Musselman Garton. Bonnie was united in marriage to David L. Hellinger Sept. 10, 1966, and he preceded her in death Aug. 15, 1981.
She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven and also a member of Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne.
Bonnie obtained a master’s degree in education from IPFW in Fort Wayne (now PFW), and worked at East Allen County Schools for 36 years before retiring June 8, 2009.
Bonnie loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Bonnie and her five granddaughters enjoyed getting their nails done together. Her granddaughters also valued her attendance at their various activities. Bonnie and her family enjoyed many summers at Jimmerson Lake which was built by her family. She was very generous with her decorating skills, donating her time to her children, neighbors and friends. Ever the constant teacher, she provided her children with “little great experiences,” which also doubled as vacations. She loved animals and would never turn down any pets her children encouraged her to adopt.
Survivors include her daughter, Kristin (Todd) Scheumann of Hoagland; a son, Ryan D. (Sarah) Hellinger of New Haven; and a brother, Ted A. (Peggy) Garton of Port Charlotte, Fla. Also surviving are members of David’s family — a sister, Linda (Jerry) Jacquay of New Haven; a sister-in-law, Karen Hellinger of Roanoke, Ind.; a sister, Kim (Steve) Romary of New Haven, Ind.; a brother, Jeff (Lindsay) Hellinger of Seattle, Wash.; and five granddaughters, Emilee J. Scheumann, Grace A. Scheumann, Ellie E. Hellinger, Kate C. Hellinger, and Annie B. Hellinger.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a brother-in-law, Mark H. Hellinger.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St. in New Haven, with Pastor Scott Zeckzer officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in New Haven.
Family and friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven. They will also be received for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.
Preferred memorials can be given to Emanuel Lutheran Church or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.
The Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, is in charge of arrangements.
CONDOLENCES: For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com