Bonita Jean "Bonnie" Hellinger

Bonita Jean “Bonnie” Hellinger, 75, of New Haven, Indiana passed away Friday, December 9, 2022 at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on June 10, 1947, in Bluffton, Indiana to the late Donald E. and Marilyn M. (Musselman) Garton. Bonnie was united in marriage to David L Hellinger on September 10, 1966 and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1981.

She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven and also a member of Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne.

Bonnie obtained a Master’s degree in education from IPFW in Fort Wayne now PFW, and worked at East Allen County Schools for 36 years retiring on June 8, 2009.

Bonnie loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Bonnie and her five granddaughters enjoyed getting their nails done together. Her granddaughters also valued her attendance at their various activities. Bonnie and her family enjoyed many summers at Jimmerson Lake which was built by her family. She was very generous with her decorating skills, donating her time to her children, neighbors and friends. Ever the constant teacher, she provided her children with “little great experiences,” which also doubled as vacations. She loved animals and would never turn down any pets her children encouraged her to adopt.

Survivors include her daughter, Kristin (Todd) Scheumann of Hoagland, Indiana; son, Ryan D. (Sarah) Hellinger of New Haven, Indiana; brother, Ted A. (Peggy) Garton of Port Charlotte, Florida; David’s family; sister, Linda (Jerry) Jacquay of New Haven, Indiana; sister-in-law, Karen Hellinger of Roanoke, Indiana; sister, Kim (Steve) Romary of New Haven, Indiana; brother, Jeff (Lindsay) Hellinger of Seattle, Washington; and five granddaughters, Emilee J. Scheumann, Grace A. Scheumann, Ellie E. Hellinger, Kate C. Hellinger, and Annie B. Hellinger.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother-in-law, Mark H. Hellinger.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, located at 800 Green St. New Haven, Indiana with Pastor Scott Zeckzer officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in New Haven.

Family and friends will be received from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2022, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials can be given to Emanuel Lutheran Church, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast, Indiana.

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana