GRAY – Earla Bonney, 87, beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17.

Born on April 9, 1919, in Gray, daughter of Earl and Margaret Whitney of Gray, Earla was a graduate of Pennell Institute in 1937.

She was involved with the Scouts for 25 years. She was a very devoted 28-year member of the Gray Unit 86, American Legion Auxiliary and was treasurer and past president, Gray Grange, Pythian Sisters (past grand chief) and many other organizations.

She devoted many hours to all of these groups and particularly enjoyed working on the bean suppers that the auxiliary put on. She sold Avon for many years. Many fondly called her Ma Bonney or Gram Bonney. “As I ponder over writing this obituary for my mother, I feel that these few lines do not come close to explaining her life and her accomplishments. She will be missed by many.”

She is survived by her bother, Phillip Whitney of Orland; her three sons, Ronald Sawyer and wife, Jeanette of Ellenton, Fla., Milton Sawyer and wife, Marion, of Nashua, N.H., and William Bonney and wife, Ruthanne, of Gray; four grandchildren, Christopher Bonney, Gary Russell, Mark Russell and Vicky Sclaro; two great-grandchildren, Chad Russell and Rex Russell; and eight nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her first husband, John Sawyer of Gray; her second husband, Raymond Bonney of Gray; her brother, John Whitney of Orland; her sister, June Glaser of Gray; and her grandson, James Bonney of Gray.