Bonita L. Loper, age 61, of Sharp Road, Waterford, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Hamot Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Erie on April 18, 1946, she was the daughter of the late William R. and Marion Morrow Bell. She married William L. Loper on April 23, 1966.

Bonnie’s life centered around her family. She was devoted to being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and her family will always remember her as being the best. For many years, she helped out with all aspects of operating the family dairy farm with her husband and son, and was especially efficient at running the office. She loved being involved with the lives of her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed watching their sporting events and spending time with them. She loved animals, enjoyed bowling and reading, and was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Preceding her in death was her brother, James W. Bell, her sister-in-law, Jean Bell, and her brother-in-law, Edward Kosienski.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, William L. Loper; her son, Bryan Loper and wife Suzy; two daughters, Lynette Pietkiewicz and husband Chris, and Sharon Ward and husband Jamie, all of Waterford; a step-daughter, Staci Wright and husband Rick of Northeast; 5 grandchildren, Lauren, Jaclyn, Brittney, Cassie, and Travis; her brother, Robert Bell of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Bell of Erie and Audrey Kosienski of Waterford; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9pm and may attend the funeral service there on Friday at 11:00am. Rev. Thomas Whitman from All Saints Parish in Waterford will officiate. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Family House McKee, 233 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.