FRANCIS, LaVona I.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, September 14, 2009 LaVona (Bonnie) I. Francis beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed peacefully into eternal life Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Lake Havasu City. Her three sons and family members were gathered at her bedside. She was born March 1,1920 in Harrisburg, Pa. LaVona was nicknamed Bonnie because of her strikingly beautiful blue eyes. She joins her beloved husband of 52 years, Con Edward Francis, who passed on Sept. 3, 1993. Con and Bonnie were married Sept.r 20, 1941. In the early 1950s they settled in Southern California. The couple were founding members of the Canyon Lake Community Church in Canyon Lake, Calif,, where they remain as charter members. In l994, shortly after the death of her husband, Bonnie moved to Lake Havasu City to be near to her son and family, who had preceded her. She quickly became an active member of the Havasu Christian Church. Bonnie was an avid reader, particularly enjoying biographies. She found the greatest pleasure and comfort in her daily reading of the scriptures. Bonnie was an advocate and an outspoken supporter of persons with hearing disabilities. She is survived by her three sons: Carl E. Francis (Anne Reed), Fredrick V. Francis, and Chris L. Francis (Donna), all of Lake Havasu City. Bonnie leaves behind her loving sister, Vivian McWilliams of Indiana, as well as many nieces and nephews with whom she had a close and warm relationship. She is also survived by grandsons, Steven Francis and Vincent Francis both of California, Brian Francis (Amy) and Mark Francis and one granddaughter, Kayla Francis-Stutler (Kenny) all of Lake Havasu City; and great grandchildren: Ryan Francis and Justin Francis of California and great-granddaughter, Marley Francis of Lake Havasu City. In addition to her family, she will be missed by the many friends she developed over the years in California and in Lake Havasu City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Association of the Deaf and Blind, 8630 Fenton St. #121, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3803, Visitation is at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home on Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. with Minister John Walton offering words of comfort and inspiration. Bonnie will be interred next to her husband at Perris Valley Cemetery in Perris, Calif. on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.