Velma Boner

HERRIN - Velma Lorine (Frick) Boner, 88, went to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 8, 2011. She passed away at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

A memorial celebration of Velma's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, in First United Methodist Church of Herrin, with the Rev. Ed Hoke officiating. A private burial will be at a later date in Oddfellows Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Hospice of Southern Illinois or First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Velma was born Dec. 4, 1922, in Chittyville, where she attended Chittyville Grade School and Herrin High School, graduating in 1940.

She worked as a nurse at Herrin Hospital until she married J.A. Boner on Feb. 3, 1942, and embarked in the life of a Navy wife, travelling across the country as they moved from base to base. In 1969, Velma moved her family back to Chittyville and worked as a cook at Chittyville Grade School until she retired in 1987.

Velma loved to cook. She took great satisfaction in caring for others, and her all-time passion was gardening. She was happiest when she could feel the dirt on her hands as she sowed seeds that would bloom into beautiful flowers or abundant vegetables.

Her gardening legacy will live on in the numerous plants, cuttings and sprouts she lovingly gave to any and all who asked.

She is survived by her sons, Danny and Wanda Boner of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Terry and Crystal Boner of Herrin; daughter-in-law, Dusty Boner of Herrin; daughters, Darla and Steve Quesenberry of Troy, Mo., and RuAnna and Richard Stumpf of Waterloo; five grandchildren, Deanna Thunberg, Michael Boner, Jackie Quesenberry, Amanda Stumpf and Charles Stumpf; foster granddaughter, Lucretia Ferdinand; stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-stepgranddaughter.

Velma also leaves behind sisters, Alice Smith of Herrin, Marie Basler of Marion and Vera Bares of Biloxi, Miss.; brother, the Rev. Louis and Shirley Frick of Vandalia; and sisters-in-law, Fern Frick of Mount Vernon and Irene Frick of Indianapolis; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph "J.A." Boner; son, Larry D. Boner; grandson, Rory Quesenberry; brothers, Harry Burt, Ed Frick and the Rev. Jack Frick; sister, Elizabeth Derry; and parents, Louis Walter Frick and Bella Nichol Frick.

The family of Velma Boner deeply appreciates the care and compassion provided by the Blue West Team of Hospice of Southern Illinois and the north nurses of Herrin Hospital, along with Dr. William Hays and his staff. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will forever be remembered.

Velma will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin is in charge of arrangements.