Wanda Gray Bonke

ALBION – Wanda Gray Bonke, age 96, died October 9 in Raleigh, NC.  She was born July 8, 1928 to Carl and Marion (Butcher) Gray of Albion, NY.

Wanda graduated from Millard Fillmore School of Nursing (RN) in May 1953. She married Milford W. Bonke on November 17, 1953 and they enjoyed 43 years of marriage together.

After a nursing career spanning 35 years of service at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital in Albion, NY, she retired and became an avid golfer, enjoying time with friends on the many courses around her Kendall home. She moved to Apex, NC in 2005 to be near her daughters and grandchildren. There she continued to golf and bowled in a senior league.  She was a crossword puzzle fanatic and loved to play cards, euchre in particular. Her grandchildren vied to be her partner – because her team usually won.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Milford, and her brother Marc Gray. She is survived by her son Dean (Virginia) of Anderson, SC, daughters Gayla Bonke of Apex, NC and Susan (Jack) Gallagher of Cary, NC, grandchildren Evan, Robin & Kyra Gallagher, sister Carol Guinn of Castle Rock, CO, and several nieces,  nephews and cousins. She was a loving and positive presence in our lives and will be sorely missed.

Wanda was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, NC. A memorial service will be held in Kendall in the spring.