Viola E. Bontrager Zook

Viola Elizabeth Bontrager Zook, 96, died Tuesday, October 26 at Courtyard Healthcare.

She was born December 12, 1924 in Pompeii, Michigan to Samuel and Barbara (Zehr) Slagell.

Viola married Charles “Vernell” Bontrager in Midland, Michigan in 1942, he died in 1989. Later in life, at age 85, she married Wesley Zook in 2009, in Goshen, Indiana, he died in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Connie (Donald) Parker of Titusville, Florida, Terri (Phillip) Blosser of Bristol, Janice (David) Joldersma of Elkhart and Jay (Jan) Bontrager of Bellevue, Nebraska; a brother, Harold Slagel; a daughter-in-law, Pat Bontrager, Bristol; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; a son, Charles Bontrager Jr. and five siblings.

A wonderful Christian woman, she was actively involved in church and Bible studies. She enjoyed music and had the ability to play piano and guitar.  She also loved singing.  Viola was a happy woman who lived a life full of optimism. She was always willing to help someone in need whether it was baking them some bread, visiting, smiling or giving words of encouragement.

A private family gathering will take place at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at West Goshen Cemetery. Pastor Chris Garner will officiate.