Bonnie J. Freeland

Bonnie Jean Freeland, 66, of New Philadelphia, ran into the arms of Jesus on July 4, 2021, following a courageous, 3-year battle with ocular melanoma.

Born in Dover on August 10, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Arthur F. and Isabell Irene (Lawver) Sherrets.

She graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1972. Bonnie was also an active member of Jerusalem Church, where she lived out her faith daily by loving everyone she encountered.

Bonnie was passionate about music. She taught herself to play several instruments, but her favorite was the mandolin. Bonnie cherished Sunday afternoons sharing a meal and “jamming” with her dear sister, Diann.

Most importantly, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She knew no stranger and those she met were never acquaintances, but always friends. Bonnie cared for all in her kind, sweet, humble way that made those she was with feel at ease and adored.

On April 15, 1997, Bonnie married her loving husband, George L. Freeland, who survives. She will also be deeply missed and forever cherished by her daughters, Carrie (Todd) Gammeter of Port Washington and Ashlee (Patrick) Knable of Columbus; her step-daughter, Stacie (Brian) Bonifay; grandchildren, Keenan, Isabelle, Ellis, Mera, Isla, Mitch, Kate, and Rafe; great-grandson, Lincoln; her siblings, Diann Sherrets and Rick Sherrets; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in passing by her brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Kathy Sherrets.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Tom Hendershot will officiate a service in the funeral home chapel on Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Memorial Gardens at Dover.

Memorial contributions in Bonnie’s memory may be directed to the James Cancer Hospital, www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift.