Bonnie L. Derk

Bonnie L. Derk, 75, Lewisburg

On Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:47 pm, Bonnie L. Derk, my incredible wife Bonnie, my best friend, the love of my life, my solid rock, my joy and my happiness was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.  There has never been nor ever be another woman like Bonnie.  She was the best person I have ever known.  She was the kindest person I have ever known. She was so giving of unconditional love to everyone she knew, and they returned that love to her.  She was my very best friend, my incredible lover, my partner in everything we did, and since retirement my constant companion nearly every moment of every day.  We did absolutely everything together and loved our time together to the hilt.  She loved God, loved her family, loved her friends and loved her church.  She was my calm in the storm, my refuge and my strength when life seemed to get the best of us.  Through many incredibly wonderful times and some distressingly difficult times we laughed together, cried together, played together, worked together, hugged together and loved one another with a love so deep that I can’t describe it.  I will savor the wonderful memories every day for the rest of my life until I join her.

I am totally thankful to God for putting us together nearly 60 years ago when we met as servers at a high school banquet.  And after nearly 56 years of marriage every day with Bonnie was still what gave me joy and comfort and happiness.  Together we were blessed with three special sons and three incredible grandchildren, and she was the best mom and best gram the world has ever known…just ask them!  She was the rock and the glue that held us together through many difficult times. And Bonnie was a cherished friend to the many who were lucky enough to know her.  Her beautiful, kind, gentle spirit was contagious, and affected everyone around her.  She made all of us better people just by being around her.  She was an amazing, one of a kind gift from God.

If you ever wondered what a true Christian is like, Galatians 5:22 says: ‘the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control’.  That’s my Bonnie!  Those of us who knew and loved Bonnie would give her an A+ in every one of those virtues.  She was truly a woman who walked the walk.  She was so very special and Godly and the world will be a darker place because she is no longer with us to light our way.

I could go on forever talking about Bonnie and how incredible a person she was.  She will live always in our hearts.  For now, with a broken heart and many tears I am just thankful to God that she is in a place where there are no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more death.  And I can’t wait to see her again and hold her hand and touch her lips and tell her once again how much I love her.

She was born on August 25, 1942 in Sunbury, the daughter of the late Kay Kratzer and Marjorie Eleanor (Klock) Klinger.  On November 04, 1961, she married Ronald E. Derk, who survives.

Bonnie worked as a special needs teacher’s aide for many years.  She also worked at Lewisburg Plastic Surgery office.

She was a member of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Lewisburg, where she was active in many roles and actually gave the church its name when it was formed.

Bonnie had many interests, including; planting and taking care of flowers, cooking and baking, and watching birds and wildlife on her property.   She also enjoyed traveling and being with her family. She was selfless and would help anyone in need.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons and one daughter-in-law, Gregory Derk of Lewisburg, Michael and Stacy Derk of Mifflinburg, Sean Derk of Lewisburg, three grandchildren, Seth, Bradley, Ashley, two sisters, Nancy Heim of Dalmatia, Deborah Klinger, Millersburg, one brother, Keith Klinger of Dalmatia,  and one brother-in-law, Dennis Derk of Lewisburg.

There will be no public viewing.  Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 on Thursday at the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 205 Bull Run Crossing, Lewisburg, where a life celebration service will be held at 11, with the Rev. Jamie Bonnett, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bonnie`s memory may be sent to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship,  Building Fund, 205 Bull Run Crossing, Lewisburg Pa 17837.