Doris G. Bonte

BELMOND - Doris G. Bonte, 93, of Ventura and formerly of Belmond, died Satuday (April 5, 2008) at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick Lane S. in Belmond and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

Doris Garnet, the daughter of Albert and Zella (Young) Russell, was born March 20, 1915, in Belmond. She grew up in the Belmond area and attended Belmond schools.

Doris was very active in school, taking part in music activities, including playing the cornet in band and singing in the chorus and sextet. She and five of her classmates composed the Belmond High School fight song, "On You Broncos," which is still used today. She graduated from Buena Vista College and was a country school teacher for two years.

Doris married Clair Bonte on April 30, 1938. To this union six children were born. Doris continued to be active in the Belmond community her entire life. She worked for the Belmond Advertiser, became a correspondent for the Globe Gazette and later worked as a reporter for the Belmond Independent. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and belonged to the Ladies Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and a charter member of the Culture Study Club.

Doris was a very genuine, sincere person. She was an excellent listener and a second mother to a number of people. Doris was a very nonjudgmental person and a confidant to all her children. Her family was a source of pride for Doris, just as she was for them. She was an avid card player and also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing solitaire.

Doris is survived by her children, Linda (Greg) Harrison of South Palm Beach, Fla.; Cathy Manusos, of Melissa, Texas; Dudley (Cindy) Bonte, of Martinsville, Ind.; Ellen (Gary) Lentz, of Muscatine; and Russell (Sharon) Bonte, of Ventura; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Don Nielsen, of Belmond.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clair; daughter, Zella Rae; grandson, Waylen Bonte; and brother, Glenn Russell.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Doris Bonte family in her name to be dispersed to her favorite charities.

Dugger Funeral Homes, 641-444-3248.