Mr. Ralph F. Bonsell, 85, of RD4, Orchard Crossing, Tyrone, died Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 9:25 p.m. at Epworth Manor.
He was born January 16, 1918 in Thomastown, the son of James C. and Ada R. Bryan Bonsell. On March 15, 1939 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, he was married by Reverend John S. College to A. Jean Wagner who preceded him in death on July 6, 2003. He is survived by a son- Ralph F. Jr. and wife Joan of Ocala, FL and a daughter- Elizabeth A., wife of James Dixon of Philipsburg; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and one brother, James C. Bonsell of Bellwood. He was preceded in death by one grandchild and two brothers.
He was a graduate of Tyrone High School Class of 1937 and retired in 1956 on disability from the Pennsylvania Railroad as an inspector in the Maintenance of Way Department. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Men’s Bible Class, Vice-chairman of the Church Council; Sunday School Superintendent; Usher; Trustee and one time Sunday School teacher. He had served for a number of years as Judge of Elections in Snyder Township and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He was a long time member of the Jim Bonsell Gospel Band and enjoyed music and sports.
Funeral service for Mr. Bonsell will be held Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. with Reverend Dr. Dennis Reedy and Reverend Peggy Bonsell officiating. Interment will be made at Blair Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Memorial Fund, Christ United Methodist Church, Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, Tyrone, PA 16686.
