Bonita Lee Fanton, 81

Wellsville, NY – Bonita Lee Fanton, 81, of River Road, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Wellsville on August 26, 1941 the daughter of the late Robert and Marguerite (Quick) Cornelius. On February 8, 1958 in Wellsville, she married her husband of 48 years, Robert Glenn Fanton, who predeceased her on July 17, 2006. 

Bonnie was raised in Alma and attended Wellsville High School. She was employed by several local retailers such as Shorts, Newberry’s, and Ames, before working in healthcare at Jan & Bev’s and Wellsville Manor. Her career was in running a dairy farm with her husband. When she wasn’t working, she was always baking or cooking (or cleaning, always cleaning). She loved children, family or not, she would take care of anyone who needed her. She enjoyed canning food, crocheting, plastic canvas, and spending time with her family. 

She is survived by: children, Rodney (Evelyn) Fanton, Roger (Cindy) Fanton, Robert Fanton, and Mary Ellen Sekoll; “special daughters” Monica Lynch and Liz Zarrilli; grandchildren, Kristy Fanton, Roger (Kristie) Fanton Jr., Gary (Mary) McDowell, Rodney (Corina) Fanton Jr., Jackie (Randy) Hackett, Amber (Corbin) Fanton, Alissa (John) Ramsey, Daniel (Allison) Fanton, Brandy (Robbie) Fanton, and Rebecca Fanton; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carolyn Slocum, Florence Baker, and Roberta Mesler; brother, Larry Cornelius; Brothers-in-law, Lester (Joanie) Fanton and James (Barb) Fanon; sister-in-law, Cyndi Fanton; special friends Carol & Cecil Jenison; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by: parents-in-law, Raymond and Mildred Fanton; son-in-law, Gerald Sekoll; and brothers-in-law, Harry “Bud” Slocum, Denton Mesler, Russell Baker, and Kenneth Fanton. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 11 am – 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her Funeral will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home with Reverend John Francisco presiding. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice, especially the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or to an Ambulance Corp.. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.