MAYSVILLE Bonaventura Claire Gormley Estill, 91, died on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2016. Bonnie was born on August 14, 1925, to William Thomas and Katherine Flynn Gormley. She was the widow of Dr. George E. Estill, who died in 2012. Bonnie lived in her family home on West Second Street in Maysville, was a part time resident of the May’s Lick community, and most recently resided at Maysville Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, where she was always provided excellent and loving care.

Bonnie graduated from Woodford County High School, in her native Versailles, Kentucky, and from the University of Kentucky with a degree in medical technology. During World War II, she supported the war effort by working in a manufacturing facility producing radio components. It was when she returned to laboratory work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington that she met and fell in love with George Estill. Upon their marriage in 1949, she joined her husband in Washington, D.C., where he attended Georgetown University Medical School and she continued her career in medical technology. The Estills moved to Maysville in 1954, where Bonnie resided until her death.

Bonnie is the mother of six children, Anne Hoskins (Bill) of Versailles, Kentucky; Dr. George F. Estill (Candy) of Corydon, Indiana; William E. Estill of Northfield, Vermont; Susan Plucinsky of Denver, Colorado; Mary Margaret Harrison (Alan) of Lexington, Kentucky; and John F. Estill (Sandi) of May’s Lick, Kentucky. She is also survived by her dear friend, companion and caretaker, Steve Muse; her fifteen grandchildren: Billy, Kevin and Christopher Hoskins; Maggie, Leslie and Andrew Estill; Timothy, Michael and Katherine Plucinsky; Elizabeth, Emily and John Harrison; and Patrick, Claire and Kathleen Estill; and her three great-grandchildren: Will, Lilah and Charlotte Hoskins, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Gormley.   In addition to her family, many were welcomed into Bonnie’s home, where she was glad to bestow both love and advice.  Her true passions in life were children of all ages and every family.

Bonnie was known for her wit and intellect, and never shied away from debate on any subject. She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, known to all as a sound advisor and supporter. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church and attended St. Rose of Lima in May’s Lick later in life. She and her husband were involved in the Young Catholics Organization, were early members of the St. Patrick’s Activity Club, and co-chaired the first St. Patrick’s Fall Festival. She was a leader in scouting, 4-H, Speech, and was always a tireless volunteer and promoter of St. Patrick School. She was also involved in the inception of special education in Mason County and active in the Mason County Medical Auxiliary.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband and parents; her siblings, William T. Gormley, Jr., Elizabeth Tilghman, Pogy Gilkison, Kitten Delach, Frank Gormley and Patricia Morgan; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, William E. Estill, Mary Cropper, Kathleen Hilterbrand, Andrew Estill and Jack Estill. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday, November 28 at St. Patrick Church in Maysville with Rev. Michael Comer serving as Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the St. Patrick Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 3 – 5 PM Sunday at the Church.  Expressions of Sympathy are suggested to the St. Patrick School (318 Limestone Street, Maysville, KY 41056). The Palmer Funeral Home & Crematory of May’s Lick is serving the family.  Online condolences to www.palmerfuneralhome.net

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