Christy Bonning-Wall

Christy Bonning-Wall, age 54, of Traverse City, Michigan peacefully passed away on September 11, 2014 after a recurrence of cancer that she courageously battled for 2 years. She will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend of 23 years, Tom Wall, her family and many friends.

Christy was born and raised in Lake Orion, Michigan and attendedMichigan State University. Proudly following the career choice of her grandfather, father and uncle, Christy was employed by the United States Postal Service for 30 years, serving in Detroit, Traverse City and its headquarters in Washington D.C.

She lived life to the fullest with a carefree spirit. Since 1993, she owned her own touring Harley Davidson and with her husband Tom, traveled coast-to-coast in the U.S. and throughout Canada several times. Together, they rode their Harleys through 46 states, often with her brother Chuck, and with friends in the U.P. Christy loved being outdoors, sitting by the Bay and listening to music.

Christy was a loving and generous person who embraced everyone she met and always thought of others before herself. She had a deep and meaningful relationship with her parents, siblings, their spouses, and her in-laws. Christy loved children. Her big heart and generous spirit were enthusiastically shared with her nieces and nephews – all of whom think of her as their most special and favorite aunt. She also generously and frequently shared her blessings with friends and strangers alike.

Christy is survived by her husband, Thomas Wall of Traverse City; her father, William (Bill) Bonning of Big Rapids; beloved siblings and their spouses, Darlene (Doug) Freeman; Chuck (Rachel)Bonning; Barb (Harold) Ballou; Beverly Bonning (Jeff Lapinski); and Carolyn Wright-Ruppert (Matt); sister-in-law Marilyn Cyrbok; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Bonning, in 2013.

A celebration of Christy's life will be at 12 noon, Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Trinity Fellowship Church (the "Outback" Building), 15085 220thAvenue, Big Rapids, Michigan. Family will receive visitors at 11:30 a.m.prior to the celebration service. In lieu of flowers or plants, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Stand Up 2 Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 843721, Los Angeles, CA 90084-3721 in memory of Christy Bonning-Wall.

The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.