Claudia Ruth "Clyde" Bonner

CLAUDIA R. "CLYDE" BONNER

There are no words I can offer that will salve the wounds and alleviate the pain we all feel for the loss of an exceptional mother, grandmother, aunt and friend that Claudia was to everyone who held a place in her heart. To try and express the character and love that she possessed and unselfishly gave to us all with bare words alone would be woefully inadequate and unacceptable.

Clyde was a playful spirit, possessing charismatic laughter combined with profound wit; she guided us, never forcefully, with her own example of how to live life to its fullest potential; allowing us to reach an individuality that suited each of our own personalities respectively. She did this, not by following the norms of others, but by living life as she thought it should be lived and enjoyed.

Whether by playing hide and seek with the children, hiding herself on TOP of the refrigerator, giggling till we found her, or by comforting and giving us solace during our teenage angst years of bad relationships or sh**ty decisions, she had steadfastly been there for all of us. Clyde was a solid rock that was never an obstacle but something that you wanted to grab a hold of for respite, comfort and companionship. Never one to really anger, Clyde showed us that with patience and love many things can be accomplished.

The loss of a person who has had such a monumental effect on so many people, not just her immediate family but to all who surrounded her can never be replaced. Mere words alone are inadequate to begin to explain the void that is gone from all our lives.

Clyde possessed a warm embrace and comforting hug with the ability to give a reassuring pat on the head or share the laughing twinkle in her eyes, she was exceptional. Whether you were playing or had just screwed up, her love of life and family was contagious. She never chastised us for our faults, just laughed alongside while we learned to grow on our own.

As a premium individual, Claudia has had a profound impact on generations of people and will undoubtedly leave a hole we feel insurmountable. Yet she has shown us this is not the case.

To mourn the loss of this exceptional woman is certainly understandable yet as we have watched her carry on during times of sorrow and loss we must do as well. It would be expected.

As she has shown us you should live life to the fullest; enjoy and embrace your children, family and friends. Do what YOU feel is right, not what others think is the proper road to travel, but the desired path that YOU have chosen. Above all else, offer the love, hugs and guiding hand that she has always shown and given to us all.

When the time comes she will welcome us to the big table where I am sure everyone is cussing, getting whooped by her in a game of cribbage, probably even skunking them too. This is written with lots of love from the family who misses her dearly. Tribute written by David Finley, with minimal edits.

Clyde is survived by her children, Ian G. Finley of Clayton, NC, Patrick M. Covill of Glenville, WV, Mercedes R. Finley and her significant other Bob Craig of Ft. Pierce and Nicole R. Morales and husband Carlos of Windsor, CT; grandchildren, Savannah Richmond, Noah Richmond, Sierra Richmond, Nicholas Craig, Sky Covill, Jesse Finley, Cash Covill and Chloe Finley; a sister, Sandra J. Ketchum of Ocklawaha; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 21, 2018, from 9-10 am with a service to follow at 10:00 am in the Chapel of the Haisley Funeral Home, 3015 Okeechobee Rd., Fort Pierce. Burial will follow at Rolling Oaks Cemetery, Port St. Lucie.