Betty Bonner

East Schodack - Betty Jane Bonner, age 87 passed away on June 29, 2024, at Albany Medical Center after a fall. Betty was born on September 7, 1936, raised and lived her entire life in Rensselaer County. Betty was the loving wife to Boyd W. Bonner, Sr. for over 64 years and a loving, caring and dedicated mother to their three children. Survived by her sons Boyd Jr, Brian (Theresa) and daughter Bonnie; 8 grandchildren Eric, Josh, Mike, Ian, Zack, Zoey, Gabrielle, Melody and 9 great grandchildren with another great grandson on the way. Betty will be remembered for her generous heart and kindness. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making many sweaters, scarfs, hats and mittens for her family. She was also proud to be able to donate hundreds of hats, afghans and lap blankets to the Rensselaer County Senior Center. Her donations were distributed to local nursing homes and children in need. She spent most of her years babysitting for family, friends and was proud to be referred to as gram by many. Bonnie and Melody came to live with her when her husband became ill in 2018. She fell in love and became best friends with Melody's puppy, Houston, when he arrived in February 2021. They played tug of war, she allowed him on the furniture, in her room, on her lap and snuck him food when Melody wasn't looking. Houston will miss her dearly. Her favorite summertime vacation was camping in Salisbury Beach, MA where she spent a couple of weeks every summer for over 30 years. Many of her family and friends would camp there at the same time. She loved hanging out at the beach or on the rocks, playing cards or scrabble, sitting on the wall watching the waves or by the fire sharing stories. Last year she was able to go one last time with her daughter and granddaughter and, of course, the dogs. They sat at the beach of the ocean and the river, enjoyed dinner at her favorite restaurant (The Hungry Traveler), campfires, the boardwalk and multiple trips for ice cream. Betty was the daughter of the late John and Helen Hogle; sister of Mary (the late Frank) Jenkins, Diane (Guy) Johnson, Christine Hintz and sister-in-law Audry Hogle and the late Jean (Cory) Schouten, Pat (Billy) Hogle, Joyce (Robert) Reinhardt, Robert (Joan) Hogle and John Hogle. Known as Gram and Aunt Betty to many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the WJ Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer on Wednesday July 17th, at 7PM. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Betty's family prior to the service from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza, Ste 505, Albany, NY, 12205.