Bonita Joan "Jo" Dugger  

Bonita Joan (Jo) Dugger, 87, formerly of South Bend, IN and Culver, IN, passed away peacefully while living at The Hearth at Juday Creek, Granger, IN, on October 19, 2017.

She was born in Boone, Iowa on February 15, 1930 to Harold and Anne (Solbeck) Cunningham.

On August 24, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Dugger.

Dick passed away on September 7, 2016. An older sister, Geneva Joyce Cunningham predeceased her in 1941. Surviving are her daughters, Sharon (John) Pillow, Elkhart, IN, with children, Michael (Erica), Flagstaff, AZ, and Sara (Jon) Bowen, Elkhart; and Corinne (Steve) Stogdill, Granger, IN, with children, Jessica (Adam) Weaver, Mishawaka, IN, James, Elkhart, and Eli, Indianapolis, IN; and son, Gregory (Kay) with children, Jacob and Abigail, Fishers, IN. Survivors also include six great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Nora Pillow, Amelia and Isaiah Bowen, and Pearl and Lincoln Weaver. Her husband's siblings, Marilyn (Larry) Hoffer, Freeport, IL; and Robert (Janice) Dugger, Manson, IA also survive her.

Jo grew up in Boone, IA, graduating from Boone High School in 1949. She attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Home Economics. Dick's job with Bendix Aviation brought them to South Bend after graduation.

Jo was primarily a homemaker for her family, but she did more than just keep the house running smoothly. She took great pride in her family, encouraging her children to explore new interests and activities. She provided encouragement and support for her husband when he decided to start his own company, and again when he retired early to become involved with mission work in the agriculture of developing countries. She traveled with him as often as possible when he'd visit ECHO in North Fort Myers, FL, as well as to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where they became great friends with staff at Africa University. Dick and Jo loved traveling and seeing the world, whether on bicycle, through Elder Hostel, or with mission work

Jo had been involved for many years in creative arts. She began painting with oils before moving to watercolor. She later became skilled in pottery, making beautiful pieces she would use or give away as gifts. She tatted and knitted, making Christmas stockings for each of her grandchildren. After a trip to John Campbell Folk School in NC, she began felting with spun wool, making bags and items for the house and as gifts.

Jo loved her house on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver. She welcomed students and staff of Culver Academies into her home, as well as friends from her sewing group and Bible study. She especially liked having her family visit and encouraged them to come as often as possible. Jo appreciated the history of Culver and was a member of the Antiquarian Society, writing articles about interesting people and places of the past. She was also a 50-year member of PEO.

In keeping with Jo's wishes, the service will be privately held. Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is in charge of arrangements. If you wish to make a memorial gift in her name, please consider giving to the Culver Girls and Boys Club, 401 School Street, PO Box 44, Culver, IN 46511 or ECHO, 17391 Durrance Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33917, in support of the Dick Dugger Living Research Library, or to help fund its fight against world hunger through ideas, information, and seeds.

Published in
The News-Press on Oct. 23, 2017
Culver Ciitizen Oct 27, 2017
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