Bonnie Christine Ely Jones Spence of Marydel, DE passed away, Wednesday, November 27, 2024. She was 76.

Bonnie Christine Ely Jones Spence, only daughter born to Harry C. and Bettie Lathbury Ely on March 25, 1948 in the original Kent General Hospital in Dover, Del.

She lived her first 10 years in Delaware City, Del, and then Brookside Newark, Del. Attending schools in Brookside Newark and 2nd and 3rd grade at Commoder McDonough. The family came to a farm in Marydel her father bought in 1947. As a 10-year-old she attended school in the Caesar Rodney District until she left to get married but got her diploma after marriage, as she always loved school. She had a daughter and son and when they went to school, she held several different jobs. Her first job was a t the age of 10 babysitting, she worked at the original Doris Market, San Del Pickle Factory, Jimmy Walker and Arthur Reedy, all of Marydel. She worked at Wilmington Dry Goods and First State Coin, where she met her second husband, the love of her life. Married twice in 2 different states 1 hour apart in the same day.

She became interested in the fire service due to the influence of an uncle, Wesley Robinson, who was instrumental in the founding of the Delaware State Fire School. She joined the auxiliary and held several offices, as well as president and chaired many committees. She became a certified EMT and rode the emergency truck on alarms, as well as drove it occasionally. From there she attended Delaware Fire School and became a certified fire safety instructor where she attended various schools and organizations teaching fire safety. She left the auxiliary and became an honorary member of Hartly Ladies Auxiliary for a brief time.

She was always busy, she took classes at Del Tech, was published poet, she is listed in the International Society of Poetry’s “Who’s Who in Poetry” as well as being published in 6 other volumes. When children were young, she was an avid cake decorator. She made jewelry and won several ribbons for her designs, loved to paint ceramics was an avid crossworder, collected quotes and was a big supporter of the Marydel Little League, she chaired the auction which yielded huge financial gains. Feeding the squirrels and birds was number 1 in her daily tasks.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her mother- in - law and father - in -law from her 1st marriage, David and Mary Jones, an infant brother, brother-in-law Tim Spence, step father, David Wilkerson and most beloved, precious granddaughter, Cassie Jones.

She is survived by her husband Richard Spence; daughter, Mindy and her husband John; son, David and his wife Michele; grandchildren, Aliesha and partner Cole, Zachary and partner Ricky, Evan, Austin, Sarah, and Alex; great grandchildren, Bentlee, Lincoln and step great grandson, Mason; mother-in-law Joyce Spence Torbert and her husband William as well as numerous step-in-laws and cousins.

Memorial services will be held 2PM, Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. A visitation will be held one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the First State Animal Shelter SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 199034.

For those unable to attend the funeral service there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com, it can be found under the “Upcoming Livestreams” tab and viewed by clicking on his or her name.