Bonnie Lou White

Bonnie Lou White joined with her Lord in His Humble Abode on Friday July 27, 2007 at the age of 74. Her battle with cancer lasted over thirteen years, and she was finally victorious and joined the Lord with a smile, while surrounded by her loving family. Bonnie Lou Ellinger was born to John Henry and Dana Ruth Ellinger of Buffalo Gap, Texas on October 3rd, 1932. Her grandparents were the first to build a home and settle in Taylor County. She grew up in a cattle and sheep ranching family and endured country life throughout her childhood. She attended Wylie School from first grade through her graduation. After graduating Drone's Business School, Bonnie was employed by Paymaster and West Texas Wholesale. Bonnie met Roy Earl White at the soda fountain in Barnes and Williams Drug Store and so began a life with a man she would love and cherish for over 53 years. They eloped on April 10, 1954 to Villa Acuna, Mexico and were wed at the famous "Ma Crosby's", where they also spent their honeymoon. She wore a beautiful powder blue dress of linen with navy accessories on that cherished day. Bonnie continued to work for a few years before focusing on her children whom she truly loved. She was a charter member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with Roy and stayed actively involved with the church during her 54 year membership. Teaching Sunday School and witnessing the Lord to all were only a few of her achievements. Bonnie was a 4-H leader that taught sewing. A member of PTO for 24 years, Bonnie was also Wylie Booster Club Treasurer during her 16 year membership. These were only a few ways she actively supported her children's education. She Volunteered at Hendrick Hospital Auxiliary for 20 years, achieving a 2000 hour pin. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 12 years. She was a member of Prairie Star Quilt Club for 30 years, a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of American Revolution, The WMU, and also an active member of the Woman's Club. An avid bridge player, Bonnie was a member of numerous clubs where everyone enjoyed playing with her. Bonnie's hobbies included needle point, designing and making quilts, and an extreme pursuit of Genealogy. She loved fishing in lakes and tanks (preferring a cane pole to conventional rod and reel), but her greatest passion of all was loving and caring for Roy, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She supported them in all sporting events, hardly ever missing a game. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Dana Ruth Ellinger, two brothers, Dr. Ted Ellinger and Mickey Ellinger. Bonnie is survived by her husband Roy Earl White; sisters, Lamoine "Peggy" Sides, Melba Ellinger, both of Abilene, and Johnnie Williams and husband Marion of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ms. Wilma Ellinger of Buffalo Gap; her children, Dana Teel and husband Jerry, of Jackson, Tennessee, Kellye Crawford and husband Charlie, of Abilene, Mark White of Buffalo Gap, and Seth White and wife Stephanie, also of Abilene. She is also survived by grandchildren, Taylor Teel, Lane Teel, Elliot Teel, Celia Teel, Robyn Kennedy and husband Michael, Nick Crawford, Sally Crawford, Caroline Crawford, Catherine Crawford, Stevi Owen, Miranda White, Hudson White and Layla Beth White; and great-grandchildren, Zoe Kennedy, Charlie Kennedy, and Dallas Teel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, July 30, 2007 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, with Rev. Stan Allcorn and Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family in the Buffalo Gap Cemetery following the funeral service. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorials may be made in honor of Bonnie White to the Ben Richey Boy's Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, Texas 79602 or to the Cancer Center Network, 2000 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.