Bonnie Lou Purkey

Bonnie Lou Purkey (Shafer) passed away on February 19, 2021.  She was born in Milan, Mich. to Daniel Shafer and Carrie (Wales) Shafer on April 30, 1928.
She married the love of her life, Donald Purkey, on June 19, 1948. He preceded her in death December 27, 2006.

Bonnie was also preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Garnett and Neva (Harris) Shafer, and Ora and Sarah (Schultz) Wales; and most recently, her brother, Jerry Shafer.

Bonnie’s greatest joy was her family. She was the happiest when everyone could be together for family dinners and holiday celebrations. In addition to her family, Bonnie also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, bowling, serving on the hospital auxiliary, reading, doing crossword puzzles and spending winters in Florida.  

She is survived by her four daughters, Debbie (Jim) Lawson of Tecumseh, Donna (Thomas) Gallant of Santa Barbara, Calif., Pamela (Bruce) Litchford of Saline, Mich.  and Betsy Hortenberry of Fort Wayne, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Heather (Ken) Heers of Tecumseh, Courtney Lawson of Minneapolis, Minn., Thomas (Danielle) Litchford of Arnold, Md., Katherine Litchford of Saline; Megan (Justin) Keteyian of Ypsilanti, Mich., Brad (Danielle) Lewis of Fort Wayne, Ind.  and Tate (Sam) Lawson of Charleston, S.C.; 11 great-grandchildren, Hannah Heers, Kyle Heers, Tristan Lewis, Sean Litchford, Dominic Lewis, Olivia Keteyian, James Keteyian, Lydia Lewis, Jaydon Lewis, Analida Lewis and Carolyn Lewis.

Bonnie’s wish was for a private graveside service which will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lenawee County or the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Association.  Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.