Bernadine Marie Reames Cronkleton, 93, died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at her home in West Mansfield.
She was born Sept. 3, 1926, to the late James and Gladys Reames. She grew up on a farm in Middleburg and graduated from Middleburg High School.
On Nov. 23, 1944, she married George Cronkleton and they lived on a farm in West Mansfield for most of their married lives, where they dairy farmed and raised crops. Bernadine was very active in working the farm.
In addition to being preceded in death by her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband George in December of 2017 after 73 years of marriage; and a brother, LeRoy Reames.
Bernadine is survived by her children, Linda (Dale) Goff and Cliff (Becky) Cronkleton, both of Bellefontaine; six grandchildren, Lyn (David) Liner of Magnolia, Texas, Tyler (Jennifer) Goff of Statham, Georgia, Randy Goff of Bellefontaine, Nathan (Amanda) Cronkleton of Brooksville, Mississippi, Nick (Katie) Cronkleton of West Mansfield, and Adam (Anna) Cronkleton of Bellefontaine.
She loved being with her 11 great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Elizabeth Liner, and Kalyn, Lexi, Cole, Lainey, Cooper, Natalie, Emily, Luke and Jacob Cronkleton. Also surviving is a sister, Mary Lou Kerns of Belle Center; brother, James Reames of Leland, Mississippi; and many nieces and nephews.
Bernadine was a hardworking, talented, and vibrant woman. In addition to all of her work on the farm, she was also involved in the community. She was an active member of the West Mansfield United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, was in W.S.C.S., and helped with many projects throughout the years. Bernadine was an accomplished seamstress. Two of her quilts hang in her church’s sanctuary. She was a member of the Logan Piece Makers quilt club and won many awards at the fair for her quilts. She was a longtime 4-H adviser, and taught many girls to sew. She was a member of the Silver Circle of King’s Daughters and the Agrarian Club. Bernadine always had a great meal on the stove and a spotless home.
The family would like to thank Nancy Stratton, Deanna Elliot, Kim Sexton, Rose Horney, Debbie George, Donna Wians and Brenda Stevenson for their tender, loving care they gave to Bernadine in her final years. They also want to thank Annette and her hospice staff as well as Rev. Doug Thompson for all of their visits.
Funeral services begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at the West Mansfield United Methodist Church. Rev. Doug Thompson officiates, and burial will follow at North Greenfield Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel, 222 W. Center St., West Mansfield. Memorial contributions can be made to Interim Home Health Care, or the West Mansfield United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.