Bonnie Jean Paxton, whose life emphasized family, farm and her Christian faith, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 in her Rainsburg, Bedford County, home.

Mrs. Paxton, 92, formerly of Chartiers Township, Washington County, was born April 12, 1924, in Washington, Pa., the daughter of William Emmett and Anna Marion Freed McCracken.

In 1942, she graduated from South Fayette High School, where she was crowned May Queen during her senior year.  She then majored in physical education at Westminster College and was a member of the college synchronized swimming team.

On Nov. 8, 1944, she married her beloved husband George G. Paxton, who passed away Aug. 22, 2009. The couple enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of the Big Band era.

A devoted mother, Mrs. Paxton also opened her home to several exchange students and children of the Chartiers Township community, where the Paxton family’s Shilling Hill farm is situated.  She was a talented seamstress and often won prizes for her cakes, bread and pies at the Washington County Fair.

Mr. and Mrs. Paxton moved from Chartiers to Rainsburg in the late 1970s. There her interest in local history prompted her to sew a flag, which is on display at the Bedford County Historical Society museum. In addition, she served as an officer in the Bedford County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Paxton served with her husband on the Dr. Bert and Lucille Wiley Memorial Scholarship Foundation at UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital. Louise Weist of Breezewood, Pa., provided devoted care for Mrs. Paxton in the months prior to her death.

She is survived by five sons, George G. (Brenda) Paxton of Cincinnati, John M. Paxton of Clearville, Bedford County; James C. (Lissa) Paxton of Meyersdale, Somerset County; Timothy T. Paxton of Rainsburg; and William R. (Susan) Paxton of Chartiers; two daughters, Aliceann (Doug) Christy of Rainsburg and Suellen (David) Templeton of McDonald, Pa.; 14 grandchildren including the late Douglas Christy Jr., 33 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Woods Church in Friends Cove near Rainsburg with Pastor Mike Dunlap officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Home Nursing Agency, Attn Hospice, 201 Chestnut Street, Altoona, PA 16603. Or Washington County 4-H Scholarship Fund, 100 West Beau Street, Suite 601, Washington, Pa. 15301.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

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