Obituary of Bonita E. Lyke

ARKPORT: Bonita E. Lyke, 71, of Ste. Rte. 36, passed away Sunday (July 22, 2012) at the Paloma Blanca Nursing Facility in Albuquerque, N.M. following a long illness. Bonita was born October 23, 1940 in Bath, to Alvaro and Mildred (Wright) Lyke. She was predeceased by her father in July 7, 1991. She attended Avoca Central School, graduating in 1958. Following that she attended Alfred University, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. After practicing nursing for many years, Bonita enrolled at the University of West Virginia where she completed a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling. She served in the USAF in the 1960s and the US Navy Reserves in the 1990s and was very patriotic and proud to have served this great nation. Bonita traveled throughout her life and enjoyed living ten months in England with her husband Jon Michael Bocock, who predeceased her in 1998. Bonita was employed at St. James Mercy Hospital from 2005 until her death. She enjoyed music, gatherings of friends and family, genealogy and pursuing professional studies. Her greatest pleasure was enjoying her children and grand children. Survivors include a daughter Dr. Jennifer Bocock, MD and husband James Koller of Waynesville, Ohio, a son: Jonathan (Laura Ratcliffe) Bocock of Albuquerque, NM. Three grandchildren: Briston and Braden Koller and Simon Ratcliffe. She is also survived by her mother: Mildred Lyke of Howard, two brothers Richard Lyke and Gordon (Linda) Lyke all of Avoca, and one sister; Sondra (Harold) Brown of Howard, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from Noon -1 PM Monday at the Bath Veterans Medical Center Chapel, Bath, NY. Funeral and committal services with Military honors will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 1 PM. Burial will be made at the Bath National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception in Bonita's memory at the Howard Volunteer Fire Dept. Cty. Rte. 70A, Howard, N.Y. immediately following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1400 Winton Rd. North, Rochester, N.Y. 14609. Service: Monday, July 30, 2012 1:00 PM Bath Veterans Medical Center Chapel Bath, N.Y. Visitation: Monday, July 30, 2012 Noon-1:00 PM Bath Veterans Medical Center Chapel Bath, N.Y.