Lavonna J. “Bonnie” Best, 83, of Columbia City, died at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Peabody Home, North Manchester where she was admitted on Friday.

She was born Oct. 7, 1931, in South Whitley, a daughter of Franklin W. and Sarah C. (Pritchard) Holler. She graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1949 from Washington Center High School.

On May 5, 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Best. They made their home in South Whitley until May 2000 when they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Best died Aug. 14, 2001.

A homemaker, she was a former member of Eberhard Lutheran Church and was currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in North Manchester.

Surviving relatives include three children: Nancy J. Duffy, Columbia City; Paula E. (Glenn) Pearson, South Bend; James E. (Jill) Best, Syracuse; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers: Roger (Sandra) Holler, Muncie; David (Linda) Holler, Chapman Lake; and a sister: Diane (Dean) Bricker, South Whitley.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, at Eberhard Lutheran Church, 2360 W. Keiser Road, Columbia City, with visitation after 10 a.m. at the church. The burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery. Visitation will also be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith and Sons Funeral Home.

Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or Christian Appalachian Project.