The Rev. Peggy J. Bonsell

On Aug. 29, 1970, she married Gary R. Bonsell at Grazierville United Methodist Church.

Peggy is survived by her husband and soulmate, Gary; two sons, Karl A. (Jessie) of State College and Adam D. of Bellwood; two grandsons of whom she loved greatly, Aaron and Drew; her two sisters, Brenda K. Zimmerman of Tyrone and Shelley A. (William) MacDonald of York; nieces and nephews: Mark and Beth Anne Zimmerman, both in New Jersey, Andrew Shultzaberger of York, Tyffanny Cavanaugh of Shamokin and Heather MacDonald of York.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer A. Zimmerman Jr.

She was a 1964 graduate of Tyrone High School.

Peggy taught school for many years for Altoona-Johnstown Diocese before making the decision to enter the ministry in 1993. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Manahath School of Theology, including one year at Messiah College. She furthered her education at Penn State University, earning an associate degree; followed by five years of course study at Wesley School of Theology, Washington, D.C., graduating in 2000.

In 2001, she received her ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Susquehanna Conference. Peggy served at the Fairview, Faith, Otterbein, Broad Avenue and Warriors Mark United Methodist churches. She also served as chaplain at Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.

Peggy was a member of Bellwood-Antis Business and Professional Women’s Club for over 30 years, a member of Altoona and Tyrone Kiwanis Clubs, Chimney Rocks Square Dance Club and for many years served on the conference board of Older Adult Ministries, the clergy choir and Chi-Rho Singers.

In 2015, she was chosen by WISE Women of Blair County, giving her special recognition for which she always felt grateful.

Peggy looked at her calling into the ministry as a privilege and not as a job. She strived to live by her belief in God as our personal savior and that he would see us though all things. She shared her faith by how she lived, not what was said.

She loved spending time with her family and many friends. Peggy loved life and was always grateful for her husband and sons. She was known for her patience and compassion for others and her desire was for people to remember her according to how she touched their lives.

Peggy’s family would like to extend their great appreciation to Jennifer Stetter and Melissa Blake for the care and compassion they provided her over the years.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home Inc., Bellwood; and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Bellwood Cross of Calvary Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Carol Gathagan officiating. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.

The family suggests that contributions in Peggy’s memory be made to Bellwood Cross of Calvary Church, Bellwood; or a charity of your choice.

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