Patricia Anne Fonner, lady of strong faith
Patricia Anne Fonner, 82, of Millsboro passed away at home Thursday, Aug. 17, surrounded by her family and friends after a 3-year battle with lymphoma.
Pat’s life was defined by her unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends.
She was born July 8, 1941, in Altoona, Pa., to the late Eugene L. and Ella Mae Riggle Counsman. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one sister, Linda Wray, who was not only her sister but her kindred spirit. We now have two very special guardian angels watching over all of us.
Patricia retired as a legal secretary in the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office. She was an active member of Long Neck Methodist Church, where she worshiped and made many friends. She was also a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Altoona, Pa. Pat was a proud military wife who enjoyed traveling all over the world. She was a lady of strong faith in Jesus Christ the son of God, and the matriarch of the family, raising four beautiful children.
Patricia was an avid reader and loved playing Words with Friends along with many friends across the country, but her favorite thing was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her presence will be forever missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Ronald Lee Fonner of Millsboro; four children: Karen Ann Fonner of Millsboro, Kathy Ann Ingersoll (Todd) of Colora, Md., Douglas Lee Fonner (Wanda) of Dover, and Duane Lee Fonner (Laura) of Springfield, Va.; siblings Robert Counsman (Janet) of Altoona, Jane Wherren (Barry) of Ilseboro, Maine, Gary Counsman (Betsy) of Altoona, and brother-in-law Terry Wray of Altoona. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Dylan Fonner (Karly), Bailey Ingersoll (Courtney), Amy Rogers (Michael), Jacob Fonner and Nathan Fonner; three great-grandchildren, Ryan, Kailynn and Kylie; as well as her beloved K-9 companion Oscar; and her sister by heart Dr. Joyce Beam. Pat is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, at Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends may visit beginning at 3 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pat’s memory to Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE 19966. The family would also like to thank Accent Care Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Visit Patricia’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her online guestbook at watsonfh.com.
