Patricia ‘Pat’ Kaye Bonar

She was born on June 7, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, to Dale and Mablea Allman. They preceded her in death along with younger brothers, Dave and Mike Allman. She is survived by a sister, Jan Allman of Kiowa, Colorado.

Pat married the love of her life Arthur “Art” Bonar, who survives, on May 8, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio. Courtship began at Vandalia Butler High School, where she selected him to be her boyfriend in 1961, their senior year. Their unforgettable first kiss was in front of the entire student body at a winter formal, where they were crowned King and Queen. This romantic beginning set the tone for nearly 60 years of cherished partnership.

Pat and Art’s spousal journey began in Columbus, OH within married student housing at OSU, where their first child, Kim, was born. They soon moved to Fort Bragg, NC, where only son, Jon, finally arrived after Art drove Pat down a military tank trail to “encourage” labor. In 1967, Art was deployed to Vietnam, and Pat tackled the immense challenge of raising a toddler and newborn solo. Upon Art’s return over a year later, the family of four finally started a normal life together in Gahanna and Wilmington, Ohio.

In 1976, an opportunity in DeGraff, Ohio was presented so they uprooted to the cornfield countryside, where Pat and Art welcomed their final ‘surprise’, Stephanie. They lived on the same five acres for nearly four decades in Logan County. 30 years of that time she volunteered as an EMT and paramedic, taking care of her neighbors and personifying her passion for service. Pat became an integral piece of her extended community through service in educational, medical, and youth organizations, the local Methodist church, as well as beautification of the outdoors.

Learning (and Ohio State) were of utmost importance to Pat. She graduated in 1965 with a BS in Education from THE Ohio State University, and later earned her Master’s in Education. She dedicated her professional life to school age children in various teaching roles, ultimately serving as a guidance counselor at Indian Lake High School for many years before retiring in 2002.

Pat and Art moved to the Austin Ridge neighborhood of Cincinnati in 2015 to be closer to family. True to form, Pat immediately embedded herself in the neighborhood—joining Westwood United Methodist Church, Westwood Women’s Club, chair yoga, a golf league, and Friday night cards. Neighbors always saw Pat and Art with Daisy, their loyal pup, who remains a constant companion.

As the type-A social butterfly, oldest child within her immediate and extended clan, she relished and grew into her role as the boss and backbone for most family gatherings. She was known for her manicured lawn, love of birds, and fierce, unapologetic Aggravation game skills. She enjoyed watching TV dramas and drinking Diet Pepsi. She was famous—at least in her family—for the worst-kept secret of stashing M&M’s in her sock drawer to satisfy her sweet tooth, and for her graham cracker pudding, which never quite turned out the way she hoped. She took pride in her life of service, community, and patriotic values—principles she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

An endearing and enduring matriarch, she leaves behind her husband Art and children, Kim Bonar (Kevin Rice), Jon Bonar (Colleen McCallum-Bonar), and Stephanie Gamble (Ben). She was a treasured grandmother to Savannah Rice (Brady Stern), Nevie White (Kyle), McKenzie Rice (Will McCullough), Caroline Rice, Hazelle Gamble, Isla Gamble, Finlay Gamble, and Mitchell Bonar. Most recently she delighted in becoming a great-grandmother to Indigo Rice. She was also fortunate to have, Lenka and Luke Fuhrmann as an important and beloved part of her immediate family.

Her spirit of connection and strength was never more visible than in her final days as a steady stream of friends and family came to say goodbye, each sharing stories and showing just how many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing something Pat would have done — check on a neighbor, volunteer for worthy organizations, hug your child, plant a flowerbed, or tell someone you love them.

A Celebration of Life will be June 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Westwood United Methodist Church 3460 Epworth Ave, Cincinnati OH 45211. The final Celebration of Life will be held on June 8, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff, 839 County Rd 24 S., DeGraff OH 43318.