Bonham, Caroline Fredericka 1878-1962

BONHAM, HAGEN, ROESSLER, WRIGHT, HURT HUNT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/26/2012 at 16:48:15

The Montezuma (IA) Republican; Aug. 9, 1962

CAROLINE BONHAM
A GOOD MOTHER
AND CHRISTIAN

"We are thankful for Mrs. Caroline Bonham," Rev. Frank Jacobs began his prayer at her memorial service at 10 a.m. Monday at the Methodist church, "She loved Christ and went about doing good as a mother, as a neighbor and as a worker in the church."

Rev. Jacobs urged the famiy and friends to learn to live as though tomorrow will be last day--and then there will be no need to worry about the future, as one is always ready for the call. He cited Mrs. Bonham's life as an example of such living.

Interment was in the Masonic-IOOF cemetery under direction of the Steffy Funeral Home. Casket bearers were Harold Bryan, Adrian Sams, Thomas C. Ross, Carl Olson, R.A. Wanderwal and James Williamson.

Caroline Fredericka, daughter of Gottlieb F. Roessler and Louisa Hagen, was born in Sharon township, southwest of Iowa City, May 12, 1878, and died Aug. 2, at the age of 84 years, 2 months and 21 days. At the time of her passing, she was residing in the home of her good friend, Mrs. Anna Wright, in Montezuma.

She was educated in the public school of the neighborhood and later attended a private academy in Iowa City.

On Dec. 27, 1899, she was united in marriage with William Ray Bonham. They resided in Johnson county, Iowa, until the fall of 1936, when they moved their home from Iowa City to Montezuma. Mr. Bonham lived only a short time thereafter, having passed away Aug. 7.

She was a member of the Methodist church and allied organizations, Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Rebekah Lodge, Past Noble Grands, Woman's Study Club, Justamere Club and Birthday Club.

During her years in Montezuma, as elsewhere, she endeared herself to the hearts of many by her unselfish service. She was affectionately referred to by many as Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother Bonham.

She leaves to mourn her passing her two sons, William Hoyt, Montezuma, and Maynard Lamont, Las Cruces, N.M., a granddaughter, Dorothy Hurt, El Paso, Texas, a grandson, Willard Ray Bonham, Chicago, Ill., five great grandchildren and two brothers, Gottlieb C. Roessler, Seattle, Wash., and Jacob F. Roessler, Shoshone, Idaho, other relatives and a host of loving friends.

Great grandchildren are Robert Lamont and William Clark Bonham, Chicago, and Russell, Mitchell and Beverly Hunt, El Paso, Texas.