Bonnie Jean Swindell Ritenour

Bonnie Jean (Swindell) Ritenour, 86, of Valley Center, California, peacefully passed away June 30, 2013 at her home following an extended illness. She was born May 14, 1927 in New Castle, Indiana, a daughter of the late Horace Edgar and Indiana Bell (Hatfield) Swindell.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Paul Edward Ritenour; her brothers, Gerald Swindell and Richard Swindell; a sister, Joy Louise Swindell (Boyle).

Bonnie grew up on a farm just outside of New Castle and loved working with her father in the fields. She was a member of the 4-H where she received several first place ribbons for her sewing projects. She was a 1945 graduate of New Castle High School. After graduation she worked at the Indiana Employment Security Division in Indianapolis, New Castle and Anderson. She met Paul Edward in 1945 and they were married after his graduation from college in 1950. They both led interesting lives, living in Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee and California. She worked for the University of San Diego Law School as a Career Service Assistant for 17 years prior to her retirement in 1992. Her proudest moment was when she was selected “Employee of the Year” in 1991. Bonnie continued to work part time at the University until 2001. As well, she was a long time member of the United Methodist Church. She was also an artist in her own right creating amazing quilts and knitting her famous Christmas Stockings. She was an excellent seamstress and could design and sew about anything imaginable.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Thomas Edward (Victoria) Ritenour of Valley Center, CA; a daughter, Sherrie Ann (Colin) Duncan of Cathedral City, CA; grandchildren, Dale Edward (Kimberly) Ritenour of LaMesa, CA, Timothy Edward (Rachel) Ritenour of San Diego, CA, Shelbie Ann Duncan of San Jose, CA and Wesley Daniel Duncan of Cathedral City, CA; a sister, Delores Swindell Irwin of New Castle, IN; several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverend Steve Rasmussen officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Bonnie Jean at www.hinsey-brown.com .