Elsie A. Bonam, 84, of Wooster passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at her home.
She was born February 4, 1942 in Flushing to Leonard Sr. and Estelle Morris Lendon. On May 5, 1962, she married Charles Bonam. He preceded her in death in 1999.
Elsie had worked in the housekeeping department at Wooster Community Hospital and enjoyed gardening, crocheting and genealogy.
She is survived by her children Debra (Dale) Badertscher of Wooster, Gary (Barbara) Bonam of Akron and Richard (Donna) Bonam of Sheppardsville, KY; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and a sister Betty Matson of Buckeye Lake along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband, Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Leonard Lendon, Jr., Carl Lendon, Cora Blackstone, Mary Miller, Larry Schaub, Frances Lendon, Bonnie Eichorn and Alvarette Luyster.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 PM at 2865 Benden Dr., Wooster. A private interment will be held in Sherwood Memorial Gardens at the convenience of the family.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Contributions may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Sincere sympathy to Elsie’s family. She was quite a lady . If she was your friend she was a loyal friend.Rest easy Elsie. 🙏🏻✝️
Love and prayers
Debi, I was so sorry to hear of your mom‘s passing know that I’m thinking of you and praying for you and your family
Debbie, Dale & Family.
You have my deepest sympathy. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Debi , Dale and family. My heart goes out to you. I will be thinking of you!
My Heart ❤️ and my Love goes out to my Dear Wife Deb….”The Unchained Melody of my Heart ❤️ 🎶”
And our Son Dustin 🧔🏻♂️ & Nickie 👩🏻Daughter 👩🏻 Dru & Jon Jr. 👱🏻♂️ & all our grankids & Dear Family & Friends of “Elsie 👵🏼” I use to work with Elsie at Woo Hospital & Elsie liked to teeze me & pull practical jokes on me & tried to get me to date her daughter…My buds said “No-No….Not good to date that way?? Well one day my wife to be ❤️ was assigned to my army recruitment car 🚗 & we spent the day together…Me not realizing who she was?? The Army Recruiters said I was to take all my possible recruits home to there families…I wanted to be a gentleman & I walked Deb up her parents steps & through the screen door I heard a familiar voice…I think Elsie said “Well look what the cat 🐱 drug in” I think I was quite red blushing when I realized I was with Elsie & Chucks daughter!!!!! After 42yrs + I wouldn’t change a thing!!!! Only that I would have known them longer & Loved them Deeper!!!!!! Love Always Elsie’s Cole slaw son-in-law Dale Lee Badertscher 👨🏻🦱❤️
Oh the memories and laughs I shared with her recording all her “millions” on her tax returns. She was SO proud of her family and included in that family anyone who enjoyed her cooking, and was acquainted with her kids.
Sincerest condolences the all those she leaves behind. Deb& Dale, l love you SO much! Please know, she is dancing with the angels and shining her love down on you everyday. Honor her in all you do, in every way and with all your heart.
So sorry for your loss Lee & Deb , we will be praying for you both . Paul & Krist Manley