Bonita Anderson 1931-2014

Bonita (Bonnie) Marie (Cornelssen) Anderson, 83, passed peacefully after a long illness on Nov. 9, 2014, at her home in The Lexington in Ventura, Calif.
She was born in Holton on July 22, 1931, to Carl and Mabel Cornelssen. She graduated from Holton High in 1949. She married Melvin Askren in November 1949 and they had three sons, the eldest in Holton and the latter two after they moved to California in 1953.
She appreciated all forms of art and was a life-long musician, playing the piano, flute and organ. Going to plays and concerts were wonderful experiences for her. She also did some traveling with her seniors group around California and once overseas to Egypt. She traveled to Vermont a couple of times to visit her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that live there. She experienced a New England tradition by attending an outdoor band concert by the St. Johnsbury Band in St. Johnsbury, Vt.
She loved the outdoors and enjoyed touring around Vermont and visited the Mt. Washington Observatory in New Hampshire. An avid quilter, she was able to see a marvelous quilt exhibit at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vt., on one of her visits.
She enjoyed writing letters to her children and grandchildren, which were greatly appreciated. She loved making presents for birthdays and Christmas and was a good cook. She was a full-time mother while raising her sons and held various jobs once they were grown. Her final job was as a civilian administrative assistant with the U.S. Navy in Ventura County. She also participated and volunteered in her community and at the local hospital.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Carol. She is survived by her three sons, Misha Askren and wife Ruth of Los Angeles, Calif., David Askren of St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Russell Askren and wife Lynn of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is also survived by her brothers Gary Cornelssen and wife Judy of San Diego, Calif., and Ernest Cornelssen and wife Florence of Mashpee, Mass. Her extended family includes nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Bonnie will be buried next to her sister, Carol, in the Holton Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Holton in late spring.
Donations may be made in her name to Northeast Kingdom Community Orchestra, sent in care of Beth Norris, Music Department Chair, Lyndon State College, 1001 College Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or to the St. Johnsbury Band, P.O. Box 243, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
(PAID OBITUARY)

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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