Barbara Ann (Border) Bonkowski

Barbara A. Bonkowski, passed away Tuesday September 12, 2023, at the age of 86.  Barbara was born in Toledo, on April 30, 1937, to Carlton and Helen (Zachman) Border.  They and her beloved sister Judy Mauk preceded her in death.

At a wedding reception in 1957, a young man she’s never met, watched  her walk across the dance floor.  “I’m going to marry that girl”, he told his friend. True to his word, Jerome “Butch” Bonkowski, married her six months later, November 30, 1957.  They enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage, until he passed away October 2018.

Butch and Barb built their long time Sylvania Township home in 1963, where they raised their three children, Vikki (Mikal) Marshall, Beth (Robert) Schaller and David (Patricia) Bonkowski.  They were blessed with three grandchildren, Ben Schaller, Elle Christine (Jase) Cox, Abigail (James) Jogodzinski and three great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Aside from raising her children, Barb helped Butch run their trucking company, Bonkowski Supply, until their retirement.

Together they enjoyed many years of bowling, harness horse racing and visiting casinos.  She loved the slots.

She will also be missed by her faithful fur baby “Shadow.”

Per her request Barb will be cremated.  There will be no services. Please consider donations to The American Cancer Society or your charity of choice.  Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann (Border) Bonkowski, please visit our floral store.