Matilda Rosella (Tober) Shonk, aged 98, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed peacefully away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Bowling Green Manor.
Tillie was born in March 1919 to Henry and Rosella (Loge) Tober in Toledo, Ohio. Her family moved first to the outskirts of Bowling Green and later to a farm outside town; Tillie drove the horse and wagon loaded with the family’s household goods when they moved. In 1964 she graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in education and began teaching in local elementary schools. Fifth grade was her favorite because, as she said, ” the students were so clever”. When her husband of many years, Harold Shonk, retired, she joined him in running his retirement project, Shonk’s Orchard. Over the years it grew into a popular local stop for apples, cider and honey.
Tillie was active in Haskins’ St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and other regional Lutheran communities. A keen gardener, she was an involved member of the Friendly Town and Country Garden Club; her colorful flower garden, planted years ago, still thrives and spreads. There was always a black lab or two someplace around; Tillie had a gift for speaking to dogs and children.
Tillie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and only child, Judy, and by sisters Elsie Potter and Frieda Shonk and brothers Arthur Tober and Waldymar Tober. She is survived by sisters Betty Weaver and Norma Jean Stratton, and numerous nieces and nephews, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There will be no services as per her wishes.
Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Tillie’s family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Bowling Green Manor for their nurturing and always thoughtful care and advice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green, Ohio. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.hannemanfh.com.
