ELLEN CLOTHIER BOHNSACK

BOHNSACK ELLEN CLOTHIER BOHNSACK Ellen Marie Clothier Bohnsack, age 96, died January 8, 2016 after a long illness. Devoted wife and mother of five daughters, she was predeceased by her husband, Raymond B. Bohnsack after 65 years of marriage. She is survived by daughters Bonnie Roberts of Fairfax, VA, Deborah Waddell of DeWitt, MI, Janice Newman of Glen Burnie, MD, Barbara Smith of Raleigh, NC and Rita Barton of Hillsboro, OR, sons-in-law, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and countless friends. Ellen was born in Marlette, MI, grew up in North Branch, MI attending North Branch High School. She graduated from Lapeer County Normal as a teacher and further studied at Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University. The family lived in Lansing, MI for 20 years where Ellen was PTA President and Council member, assisted in setting Community Standards for the Lansing City Council and Police Department, organized the Block Parent Program of Lansing schools, and was charter member and Youth Fellowship Leader of Christ United Methodist Church. After a move due to a job transfer for Ray to Alexandria, VA in 1967, she became a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving as a teacher in church school, and member of the Esther Circle, Wesleyan Bell Choir, Wesley and Grace Notes Choirs. Ellen taught arts and crafts at Oak Meadow Nursing Home and Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center also co-writing the book, "Celebration Crafts". Along with being parent supporters of the Fort Hunt High School Symphonic and Marching Band Boosters, she and Ray were also long-time volunteers at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Ellen was an excellent artist and taught china painting in her studio. She was a member of the International Porcelain Artists & Teachers, World Organization of China Painters and Potomac Teachers. Ellen organized and was the first President of Mount Vernon Porcelain Artists, member of Northern Virginia Porcelain Artists and Mason Dixon Porcelain Artists. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, 11 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Aldersgate United Methodist Church''s Columbarium Gardens and Georgetown''s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center''s breast cancer research program.