The news of the death in Lexington Monday evening of Mrs. Elizabeth Bonta, wife of the late Mr. Abram B. Bonta, was heard here with deep regret. She was one of the beautiful Christian mothers of the community, whose long life of 83 years left a tender memory with everyone. About six months ago her health began to fail very perceptibly, and she was taken to Louisville for special treatment. Later she went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. F. VanDeren, in Lexington, where gradually she succumbed, until death released her suffering. Her remains were brought back here Wednesday where funeral service was held in the Methodist Church, conducted by her pastor, Rev. M. S. Clark, and the burial was in the family lot in Spring Hill cemetery. Mrs. Bonta was born in Washington County in August 1835. She was Elizabeth Taylor McDonald and early in life moved to this County with her parents, Daniel and Martha McDonald, who settled near Cove Springs. Most of her life has been spent in this neighborhood for after her marriage to Mr. A. B. Bonta they went to housekeeping on a farm in that section. She attended school at the old Greenville Academy under Dr. Mullins, and early in life united with the Presbyterian Church. After her marriage she joined the Methodist Church with her husband, and her loyal devotion and activity was given ther. She was one of the charter members of the Women's Missionary Society, and was treasurer of the organization until two years ago when failing health compelled her to hand over the duties to others. Mr. Bonta and one son Rufus, preceded her to the grave some years ago and she is survived by three sons, Mr. Walter Bonta, of San Francisco, Cal.; Dr. Maurice Bonta, who is associated with the Mayo Brothers, of Rochester, Minn., Hon. Leroy S. Bonta, of this city; two daughters, Mrs. J. F. VanDeren, of Lexington, and Miss Lena Bonta, of this place; one brother, Mr. R. S. McDonald, St. Joe, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Fallis, Hollywood, California. Among the out of town people here to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Will VanDeren, Lexington; Mr. and Mrs. Wilmore Garrett and son of Woodford County; Mr. J. B. Mann and daughter, Mrs. Hulette, Louisville; Mr. Fred Harris, Miss Emma VanSickle, Mrs. Harris and Mr. Louis Rue, of Danville.
(Harrodsburg Herald Fri Apr 18, 1919)