Patricia Bonta

Patricia Lucille Bonta of Grand Rapids, MI (formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI) passed away on December 30, 2022, after a brief illness. Pat was born on January 27, 1929, to Howard and Lucille Smallwood. She was the oldest of 4 children; her siblings included Jack, Rita, and Mark Smallwood, all of whom are previously deceased. Born in Bowling Green, OH, Pat's family moved to Ferndale, MI, beginning her sophomore year of high school. Pat was a 1946 graduate of Lincoln High School in Ferndale, MI. After completing high school, Pat attended Albion College for 2 years where she met her future husband, Frank Bonta. Pat and Frank were married in June 1949, and settled in Eaton Rapids, MI where Frank had been raised at the VFW National Home since age 8. After marrying the love of her life, Pat worked at Albion College and also had numerous other jobs over her lifetime. Pat and Frank loved being part of the Eaton Rapids community and had many treasured friendships that lasted throughout their 68 years of marriage. Eaton Rapids was truly "home" to both of them. They raised two daughters there, Julie Frayer of Grand Rapids, MI, and Amy Bender of Buchanan, MI. The family remained close even after the girls were married and started their own families. Many vacations over the years included the entire family. After Frank died in 2017, Pat remained in her home in Eaton Rapids until March 2021, when she moved to Beacon Hill at Eastgate in Grand Rapids. She made new friends there and enjoyed many activities in the Beacon Hill community. At the same time, she stayed in touch and held dear to her heart her friends from Eaton Rapids. Pat is survived by her daughters, Julie (Chuck) Frayer and Amy (Steve) Bender. She was also blessed with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; they were a wonderful part of her life. She was a very special Grandma and Mom, a true example of kindness and generosity. She will be deeply missed. A private family service will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory can be made to The First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI or Albion College, Albion, MI. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Bonta, please visit our flower store.