Bernadette Schoonover

Bernadette Schoonover, 91, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center. 

Bernadette was born on December 30, 1932, in Leipsic, Ohio, to Perry and Mary (Siefker) Kennerson.  On February 4, 1950, she married the love of her life, Ralph Richard Schoonover, who preceded her in death on May 17, 1989.

While raising eight children, Bernadette worked at the Cigar Factory and went back to school to earn a business degree.  She went on to retire from the State of Ohio Unemployment Office where she worked as a tax accountant.  She was a member of Southside Church.  She was also a member of Altrusa International of Lima, Ohio, and served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Bernadette was a recipient of the Jefferson Award.  She belonged to the Elida Garden Club, The Friends of the Library, and was a Girl Scout Den Mother.  She was involved in the Happy Bookers Book Club and loved to travel, garden, and read.

She is survived by four sons: Thomas (Sharon) Schoonover, Michael (Joyce) Schoonover, Greg Schoonover, and Eric (Andrea) Schoonover; daughter, Teresa Schoonover; twelve grandchildren: Jason (Linda), J.Jay (Natalie), Nick (Diane), Tara (Rick), Shay (Angie), Monica (Andy), Kristen, Ryan (Nikki), Justin, Josie, and Jakob; twenty great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Kennedy.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three daughters: Nadine Hillard, Roberta Reynolds, and Desiree Schoonover; daughters-in-law, Sandy Schoonover, and Gloria Schoonover; grandson, Deke Schoonover; and brother, James Kennerson

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on February 27, 2024, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  A Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m.  Rev. Todd Cosart will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lima Public Library.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.   Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.