Bonita Tindal

Bonita (“Bonnie”) R. Miller Tindal of Washington, Iowa, age 63, died peacefully at her home in Washington on September 7, 2009. In accordance with her wishes, her body will be cremated. A memorial service officiated by the Rev. Julie Paulson, will be held at the United Methodist Church, Washington, Iowa, at 1:00 o’clock p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:30PM Friday, September 11th at the United Methodist Church, Washington. Her cremains are to be interred at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington at a later date.

Mrs. Tindal was born in Washington, Iowa on July 9, 1946, the oldest of three children. Bonnie was the daughter of George W. and Emma Lucille (Finke) Miller. Bonnie received her high school diploma as valedictorian of her class in May, 1964, and her nursing diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Iowa City in June, 1967. She later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Iowa in 1985. Bonnie worked for many years as a Registered Nurse at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and briefly at hospitals in San Diego, California, and in Norfolk, Virginia. Bonnie in later years also worked for Federation Bank, Washington County Abstract Company, Halcyon House, and one of the medical offices in Washington.

Mrs. Tindal married Douglas L. Tindal June 14, 1967, in Iowa City, Iowa. Bonnie and Doug were blessed with two children, Eric D. Tindal of Williamsburg, Iowa; and Laura E. Tindal, who died at age 15 in Kalona, Iowa on April 6, 1993.

Mrs. Tindal was a very talented musician, playing piano and organ for a number of churches over the years. She served as school board president for the Mid-Prairie School District, as well as serving for many years in a number of church positions. Bonnie was a board member of the Washington chapter of American Association of University Women for a number of years.

Mrs. Tindal was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura E. Tindal and by her father, George W. Miller. Surviving Bonnie are her husband, Doug Tindal, her son Eric D. Tindal, and two grandchildren, Anna and Abby Tindal of Williamsburg, Iowa, her daughter-in-law, Cindy Tindal, her mother, Emma Lucille Miller of Washington, Iowa, her sisters Linda (Mrs. Ronald) Alberhasky of Iowa City, Iowa, and Janet (Mrs. Joseph) Gierwiatoski, of Rockford, Illinois. She is also survived by a father-in-law, Leonard Tindal of Bradenton, Florida, a sister-in-law, Phyllis Tindal of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a brother-in-law Steven Tindal of Bradenton, Florida, a brother-in-law Mark Tindal of Fargo, North Dakota, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie’s interests, besides her granddaughters and family, included tending to her flowers, sewing, and improving her music skills. She also had a keen interest in county history, including learning about the meanings of cemetery monument symbols, about which she taught a number of classes.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Washington County. Arrangements are being handled by Beatty Funeral Home.