Lois B “Jean” Gonder, 91, of Chambersburg, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Village Square, Menno Haven.
Born April 6, 1932 in Waynesboro, PA, she was a daughter of the late Preston H. and Carrie E. Small Bonebrake.
Her beloved husband, Robert K, Gonder, whom she married on January 31, 1953, preceded her in death on July 14, 2000.
Jean was a 1950 graduate of the former Quincy High School. She was employed as a Transportation Technician at Letterkenny Army Depot for 37 years until her retirement on June 20, 1989.
Jean and her husband opened Gonder’s Garden Center on Franklin Street in 1976 and moved the business to Scotland Road and The Wagon Wheel in partnership with Fritz and Joan Pogue.
Jean was a member of Zion Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ in Chambersburg having served as Deacon and Elder. She was also a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Chambersburg Hospital Auxiliary, Martha Custis Chapter #342 Order of the Eastern Star, and the NARFE.
She is survived by her niece, Kathy Johnson of Greencastle; nephew, Terry Bonebrake of Waynesboro; two step-sisters, Naomi Nagy of Lancaster, and Esther Fleagle of Waynesboro; and numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.
Aside from her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by one brother, Theodore Bonebrake; two sisters, Mary Benshoff, and Rhoda Forney; and her step-mother, Anna Myers Bonebrake.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 in Lincoln Cemetery, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Thomas Dunkle will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Menno Haven Benevolent Fund, 300 Ridgeview, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to Zion Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ, 259 S. Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA.
Condolences and memories may be shared at the funeral home’s website.
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