Patricia Anne Fonner, 82, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Thursday at home surrounded by her family and friends after a three-year battle with Lymphoma. Pat’s life was defined by her unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends.
She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Eugene L. and Ella Mae Riggle Counsman.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Linda Wray, who was not only her sister but her kindred spirit. We now have two very special guardian angels watching over all of us.
Patricia retired as a legal secretary in the Maryland State Attorney’s Office. She was also an active member of Long Neck Methodist Church, where she worshiped and made many friends, and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Altoona.
Pat was a proud military wife who enjoyed traveling all over the world. She was a lady of strong faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God and the matriarch of the family, raising four beautiful children.
Patricia was an avid reader and loved playing Words with Friends with many friends across the country, but her favorite thing was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her presence will be forever missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Ronald Lee Fonner, of Millsboro, Del.; four children: Karen Ann Fonner of Millsboro, Del.; Kathy Ann Ingersoll (Todd) of Colora, Md.; Douglas Lee Fonner (Wanda) of Dover, Del.; and Duane Lee Fonner (Laura) of Springfield, Va.; siblings: Robert Counsman (Janet) of Altoona; Jane Wherren (Barry) of Ilseboro, Maine; Gary Counsman (Betsy) of Altoona; and a brother-in-law, Terry Wray, of Altoona. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Dylan Fonner (Karly), Bailey Ingersoll (Courtney), Amy Rogers (Michael), Jacob Fonner and Nathan Fonner; three great-grandchildren: Ryan, Kailynn and Kylie; as well as her beloved K-9 companion, “Oscar”; and her sister by heart, Dr. Joyce Beam. Pat is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank Accent Care Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Friends will be received from 3 until the 4 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Del. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pat’s memory to Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Arrangements are by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, Del.
Please visit Patricia’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.watsonfh.com.