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Bonna Jean Vanderlyn

May 5, 2020
Hartford, MI

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Bonna Jean Vanderlyn was born on July 21, 1931 in Hartford, the daughter of Fred and Vera (Vernon) Modro. Bonna passed away May 5, 2020. Bonna graduated from Hartford High School as part of the class of 1949. She married Arthur Vanderlyn and together they built, owned and operated the Hartford Hardings Market. Art passed away on September 15, 1970. She was a member of the Hartford United Methodist Church and a stenographer for the State of Michigan. Loving her community, Bonna was a generous donor to many organizations including the Hartford Fire Department, Hartford Public Schools, Hartford School Foundation, Hartford United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society and local humane societies to name a few. Bonna purchased a fire truck for the Hartford Fire Department, endowed a scholarship fund for Hartford graduates, and donated 1.3 million dollars to the Hartford Public Library for building the Arthur and Bonna Vanderlyn Community Center. Bonna is survived by her nephew Scott (Denise) Smith; two great nieces: Amanda (Steve) Veldman and Bethany (Justin) Diesbourg; sister-in-law Donna Anderson; special friend Erin (Ernie) Goodson whom she often introduced as her granddaughter; cousin Jeanne (Richard) VanDeventer and all the citizens of Hartford. Bonna loved serving the Hartford community through her ownership of Hartford Hardings and became a founding member of a group that made it possible for Hardings to survive as a family owned business of several area Hardings' stores including Garland Smith, Marty Hill, Rich Glidden, Dave Gearhart, the late Tom Harding, and her special friend and advisor Bryan Hettinghouse. Bonna appreciated the help of Hartford Store Manager, Tim Hildebrand, Hardings management Curtis Devries and Tony Medlin, and legal advisor Jim Beck that helped her in her later years when she couldn't participate in the day-to-day operations of the store. The family would like to thank the staff at Caretel Inns, Private Duty Home Healthcare, and Caring Circle -Hospice for her care. Due to shelter in place guidelines, private graveside services will be held where Bonna will be laid to rest next to Art in Maple Hill Cemetary. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the Hartford Public Library for the Arthur and Bonna Vanderlyn Community Center. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.