Obituary for Willa Rentner
Willa Margaret (Bonesteel) Rentner
October 13, 1933 – August 13, 2022
Willa “got away” as she would have called it, peacefully in her sleep, at home, as was her wish.
Beloved mother of Deborah, Darlene Elliotson (Stan), John (Cheryl Bogaert) and Charlie (Mariane McLeod) and dear sister in law of Caroline Tayler-Wehrle (Rick). Predeceased by her husband, Fred Rentner in 1985 and her brother John Bonesteel.
Willa was born in Oliphant, Ontario and grew up in Wiarton and Collingwood. Her father, Percy Bonesteel was a sailor and then a pool hall owner. Her mother, Lavina May Buckland worked in a lady’s shop in Owen Sound after her husband left sailing. Willa spent most of her summers with her beloved aunt Eunice and uncle Ed Humphries.
Willa started her working life after grade eight selling ice cream at a little ice cream shop and then went on to be a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone in the corner building on Hurontario St. in Collingwood where she made life-long friendships with many including Marge Colderley and Betty MacMurchy.
She enjoyed helping women (and their husbands) find “just the right thing” when she worked at Geraldine’s dress shop and later at The Feminine Touch with owners Joanne Civiera and later Marianne Lougheed. Marianne and Willa forged a special bond, and she was so saddened at Marianne’s premature passing.
Willa’s ‘retirement job’ was with Burger Bob and she along with Betty MacMurchy delighted the people they served at the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club and other private events all around Collingwood and area. She never spoke of sore feet or difficult diners, but rather, who she met and their stories. She loved serving and talking to people.
Willa was a longtime adherent of “Second Pres” which is the balcony congregation at First Presbyterian Church on Maple Street in Collingwood.
She was a 45-year member of Salaam Ladies’ Shrine, Bokhara Court No 22, the Collingwood Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Kinette’s Club. She loved her community.
Her family enjoyed her delicious meals and baking and laughed often at the forgotten cabbage salad still in the fridge, discovered while looking for dessert.
Willa requested a party, rather than a funeral, so following a visitation and reception at Fawcett Funeral Home on Friday August 19th from 1-3 p.m., please join us for a ‘sip’ at 2648 Sixth Line.
There were so many who meant so much to her. Her heart was so big and so willing to serve.
In lieu of flowers donations to your favourite charity would be appreciated.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14: 1-3
October 13, 1933 – August 13, 2022
Willa “got away” as she would have called it, peacefully in her sleep, at home, as was her wish.
Beloved mother of Deborah, Darlene Elliotson (Stan), John (Cheryl Bogaert) and Charlie (Mariane McLeod) and dear sister in law of Caroline Tayler-Wehrle (Rick). Predeceased by her husband, Fred Rentner in 1985 and her brother John Bonesteel.
Willa was born in Oliphant, Ontario and grew up in Wiarton and Collingwood. Her father, Percy Bonesteel was a sailor and then a pool hall owner. Her mother, Lavina May Buckland worked in a lady’s shop in Owen Sound after her husband left sailing. Willa spent most of her summers with her beloved aunt Eunice and uncle Ed Humphries.
Willa started her working life after grade eight selling ice cream at a little ice cream shop and then went on to be a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone in the corner building on Hurontario St. in Collingwood where she made life-long friendships with many including Marge Colderley and Betty MacMurchy.
She enjoyed helping women (and their husbands) find “just the right thing” when she worked at Geraldine’s dress shop and later at The Feminine Touch with owners Joanne Civiera and later Marianne Lougheed. Marianne and Willa forged a special bond, and she was so saddened at Marianne’s premature passing.
Willa’s ‘retirement job’ was with Burger Bob and she along with Betty MacMurchy delighted the people they served at the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club and other private events all around Collingwood and area. She never spoke of sore feet or difficult diners, but rather, who she met and their stories. She loved serving and talking to people.
Willa was a longtime adherent of “Second Pres” which is the balcony congregation at First Presbyterian Church on Maple Street in Collingwood.
She was a 45-year member of Salaam Ladies’ Shrine, Bokhara Court No 22, the Collingwood Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Kinette’s Club. She loved her community.
Her family enjoyed her delicious meals and baking and laughed often at the forgotten cabbage salad still in the fridge, discovered while looking for dessert.
Willa requested a party, rather than a funeral, so following a visitation and reception at Fawcett Funeral Home on Friday August 19th from 1-3 p.m., please join us for a ‘sip’ at 2648 Sixth Line.
There were so many who meant so much to her. Her heart was so big and so willing to serve.
In lieu of flowers donations to your favourite charity would be appreciated.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14: 1-3