Shirley M. Wert Bonawitz, 88, of Hummelstown, passed away Friday, September 29, 2023, in the UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital.

Born in Hummelstown on January 28, 1935, she was the daughter of the late John I. and Elizabeth J. Nye Wert.

Shirley retired from the Lower Dauphin School District where she managed the library at the Annie B. Nye School in Hummelstown for 20 years. Prior to working for the school, she was a secretary in the Statistics Department of the former AMP, Inc.; and was a teller and secretary for President Lauer at the former Hummelstown National Bank. Shirley was a 1951 graduate of the former Hummelstown High School. She was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church of Union Deposit. Shirley enjoyed decorating her home for every season and flower gardening; and had a love and joy of animals.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Bonawitz, on October 19, 2011; two brothers, Wayne W. Wert and Charles C. Wert; and four sisters, Betty J. Cassel, Dorothy I. Lenker, Faye W. Wagner and Mary I. Fisher.

She is survived by two sons, John W. Bonawitz, Jr. husband of Debra E. of Harrisburg, and Peter W. Bonawitz husband of Anne L. of Hummelstown; three grandchildren, Michelle A. Stank wife of Zachary R., and John M. Bonawitz both of Harrisburg, and Kenneth C. Dixon of Denver, CO; two great grandchildren, Jeremy and Amelia Stank; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 6, 2011, at 11 AM in the Zion Lutheran Church of Union Deposit, 5 West Main Street, Hershey, with The Rev. Ursula E. Schreffler, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends are invited to the viewing Friday in the church from 10 AM until time of the services.

Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Zion Lutheran Church of Union Deposit, 5 West Main Street, Hershey, PA 17033; or to Carolyn’s House, 1701 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110; or to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc., East Shore Shelter, 7790 Grayson, Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.