Catherine E. Bonter's Obituary
Catherine Elizabeth Bonter, age 67, passed away in Grand Rapids, MI, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Cathy was born in Muskegon on April 21, 1957, to Richard and Marcie (Novak) Underhill Sr. She graduated from Orchard View High School in 1975 and then went on to serve in the United States Army for three years, and then the MI National Guard for six more. On October 16, 1987, she married Les Bonter, and the two of them spent many wonderful years building their family together. Cathy worked for Sealed Power for a number of years, but spent the last twenty years of her career as a bus driver for Ravenna, Coopersville, and Kent City public schools before retiring in 2019. She loved the relationships that she made with the other bus drivers over the years. Cathy was extremely sociable and loved to talk, and was affectionately known as “Chatty Cathy” by many. She was very outspoken and happy to offer her advice to others, you always knew what was on her mind. She enjoyed camping and dancing, and she loved animals. She was also a talented bowler, participating in numerous leagues over the years. More than anything she loved making memories with her family, who she loved dearly and would do anything for.
Cathy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Les Bonter; four children: Mike (Evelyn) Pawson, Andrew (Nicole) Bonter, Ashley Bonter, and Austin (Sam) Bonter; three grandchildren: Brianna Pawson, Kaiya Smith, and Mary Bonter; mother, Marcie Underhill; two siblings: Rick (Karen) Underhill Jr. and Teri Beran; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Underhill Sr. and an infant niece, Kristen Beran.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place for Cathy at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Ravenna Baptist Church, 3186 Blackmer Rd, Ravenna, MI, 49451, with VISITATION taking place from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, as well as at the church an hour prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Sherman Moore Post 297. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
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