Bonnie Minnis

Bonnie Jerles Minnis, age 45, of Dover, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, early Saturday morning, August 27, 2011, in Hennis Care Centre, at Dover, following an extended illness that she courageously battled. Born at Dover, December 18, 1965, she was a daughter of Robert “Bob” L. Jerles (wife, Mary Ann) of Bolivar and the late LaRita J. Braglin.A 1984 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Bonnie attended Kent State at Tuscarawas to study nursing, a profession that would have served her well due to her natural ability to put the needs of others ahead of her own. For most of her life, Bonnie worked in food service, including Lee’s Famous Recipe and Arby’s on the Boulevard, as well as Goshen Dairy. A gifted singer, Bonnie was offered the opportunity to sing professionally, but exchanged the chance of popularity for being a loving wife and mother. She never lost her talent with a microphone, and was known to wow even the accomplished karaoke critic. On November 23, 1985, Bonnie married Larry Minnis. The couple had met less than a year earlier, but had been inseparable ever since. Together they reared a family that includes Larry’s daughter, Heather Gribble of Dover, and three sons, Justin, Andrew and Tyler Minnis, all of the home.Two grandchildren , Autumn and Olivia Gribble were spoiled by their grandma. Grandma Bonnie was always shopping for them, and planning gifts to the girls for years to come.Survivors also include three sisters, Kathy (Gene) Stefani of New Philadelphia, Lana Jerles of Dover and Lisa Reed of New Philadelphia; two brothers, Robert (Karen) Jerles of Stephens City, Virginia, and Scott (Cindy) Jerles of Dover. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a special pet, “Rookie” completes the family. She’ll be remembered for her artistic nature, her ability to love and nurture others, and for her coveted peanut butter cookies and macaroni salad. Bonnie will live on in the hearts of her family members, always present, and always proud whenever good deeds and acts of kindness are done for others. Friends are invited to call Tuesday, August 30, from 2-4 and from 6-8PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a funeral celebrating Bonnie’s life Wednesday morning at 10:30 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Interment will follow in Dover Burial Park, with family and friends returning to Geib Center for a luncheon reception. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, or to the Alice Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Hennis Care Centre at Dover 1720 North Cross Street, Dover, OH 44622, â?? in gratitude for their exemplary care of Bonnie.