Helen Marie Bonham

Helen Marie Bonham,age 89, passed away January 8, 2018, in Dublin, Ohio. Born May 10, 1928, Helen grew up in Clintonville, attending North Broadway United Methodist Church and graduating from North High School in 1945, where she was affectionately known as Pee Wee. She attended The Ohio State University, where she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, then married fellow student, James “Jim” Bonham. Together, they raised 3 children, Chris, Judee, and Andy, in Columbus. Helen and Jim greatly enjoyed the company of friends and family, hosting regular gatherings at their home. Following retirement as secretary from Columbus City Schools, Helen and Jim moved to Somerset, Ohio, and built “Honey-Do Acres,” a small farm and log cabin home. They made many friends there and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Glenford. Eventually returning to the Columbus area, they joined St. James Lutheran Church near Hilliard. Helen spent the rest of her life in Hilliard, living with or near family. Energetic and industrious, Helen’s life was marked by joyful, dutiful service at home, church and the North High School Women's Alumnae Association. She enjoyed sewing and crafts and Ohio State football, but her passion was playing cards. A good day was any day she had a partner for Spite and Malice. Preceded in death by parents Samuel and Ada McCready, husband James “Jim” Bonham, son James Andrew “Andy” Bonham, and sister Elizabeth Strome. Survived by daughters Christine (Steven) Stirling and Judee Andrick, grandchildren Amy (Jason) Hissong, Benjamin (Licia) Sapp, and Kevin (Stephanie) Andrick, great grandson Drew Sapp and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to staff and special friends at The Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing for their kindness and care during Helen’s last months. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Road, Columbus, OH 43228. Pastor John Hood officiating. Family will receive friends immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider a memorial contribution be made to St. James Lutheran Church or American Parkinson’s Disease Association.