Bonnie Rae Utsinger

Bonnie Rae Utsinger

May 30, 1948 – April 5, 2025

Bonnie Rae Utsinger left her earthly home on Saturday, April 5th, and is now walking the streets of gold. We find peace knowing she was joyfully welcomed by her parents, sister, husband, son, and many others who went before her.

Bonnie was born on May 30, 1948, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Dorothy Sexton. She was raised in Mecca, OH, by her mother and stepfather, Chuck Spitler, and attended Maplewood High School. Bonnie was married to Austin Utsinger for 30 years and was a devoted mother to two children: Garnett Burkholder of Austintown, OH and Jason Utsinger (Amanda) Folkston, GA.

Bonnie spent many years in Struthers, OH, where she worked for the Youngstown Public Library until her retirement. Afterward, she moved to Florida to enjoy the warm weather. She made countless friends and touched many lives with her kind and nurturing spirit. Bonnie had a special way of caring for others and never hesitated to help those in need—especially her great-nieces and nephews. She also worked as an in-home caregiver, offering support and companionship to many families. Bonnie never met a stranger and always spoke her mind with honesty and heart.

She is survived by her sisters, Corlene Ziegler of Destin, FL, and Shelia Persino of Cortland, OH; step-siblings William “Bill” (Dianne) Spitler, Robert Spitler “Kay” Barbara (Ed) Roth.

Bonnie is also survived by six grandchildren: Alan Burkholder, Dylan Tuttle, John Utsinger, Alison Thompson, Austin Utsinger, and Trinity Utsinger. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Sophia & Andrew Thompson, and Malakai Craft.

She held a special bond with her nieces Kim Goolsby (Paul) and Vicki Grubbs (Jimmy), and Joni Cooper. As well as her great-nephews and great-nieces Dakota “Cody” Lee (Sarah), Nicholas “Rein” Quinones, Chandler “C.J.” Quinones (Nataleigh), Chase Martin (Mary), Jimmy Grubbs Jr and Wyatt Cooper, Morgan Lee and Madison Cooper, great-great nieces and great-great nephew Clara Quinones, Kenzie Quinones and Grayson Quinones.

Bonnie was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will live on in every life she touched.

A celebration of Life will be held Tuesday April 8th, 2025. The family will receive friends from 5-6 pm with a ceremony at 6pm. Arrangements by Shepard Roberson Funeral Home 526 Oakwood St, Folkston, GA 31537.