Bonita “Bonnie” Knicely

Bonita R. Knicely, 98 ¾, of Newark, formerly of Adamsville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 4, 1927, in Pittsburgh, PA, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary (Bailey) Wilson.
Bonnie lived a life rooted in faith, devotion, and service to others. She began her career as a school teacher at Dillon School in Zanesville, where she shared her love of learning and kindness with her students. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, embracing her role as a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. As a strong and dedicated farm wife, she worked tirelessly alongside her family, embodying resilience and quiet strength.
Gifted with a warm spirit and a love for storytelling, Bonnie became a familiar and cherished voice in the community. She was known as the “Song and Story Time Lady” on WILE in Cambridge for five years and later on WHIZ for twenty years, where her stories and songs brought joy and comfort to countless listeners. In her later years, even while in assisted living, she continued to share her faith and passion through “Hymns with Bonnie,” recounting the stories behind beloved hymns to all who would listen.
Bonnie’s faith was central to her life. She was known for her dedication to prayer, often riding her pedal bike for miles as she prayed for others—so faithfully that she would wear out the pedals. Her life was a testament to love in action, always thinking of others before herself.
She is survived by her children, Susan (Bill) O’Brien, Joyce (Ken) Kincaid, Joy (Skip) Beard, Phillip (Bev) Knicely, and Mary Beth Myers; her grandchildren, Dana (Jimmy) Beatty, Mandy (Jeff) Butler, and Nathan Knicely; her great-grandchildren, Logan and Kinley Butler, Owen, Hudson, and Katelyn Beatty; along with numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; her brother-in-law, Donald Knicely; and special friends, Sandy James and Susan Whitacre.
In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 27 years, Dana Knicely, who passed on June 28, 1985; her brother, Neil Wilson; and her son-in-law, David Myers.
Bonnie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, her gift of storytelling, and the deep love she had for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the faith she so beautifully shared.
Friends and family may call from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, and one hour prior to services starting at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Westwood Baptist Church, 2395 East Pike, Zanesville. Bonnie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Dana at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in New Concord, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bonnie’s name to The Gideons International and or your favorite hospice care of choice.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hearth Brook Assisted Living and Suncrest Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care of Bonnie and their family.
To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.