EAST WATERBORO- Bonnie Alice Ford Whitten passed away peacefully in her childhood home in East Waterboro on December 11, 2024, after a long struggle with vascular dementia. She was 82. Bonnie was born on June 27, 1942, in Sanford, Maine. She was the daughter of the late L. Donald and Annie (Fields) Ford.
Bonnie was a graduate of Sanford High School. She married the love of her life, Everett “Joe” Franklin Whitten, Jr., on May 27, 1960. They had three sons, Kevan, Keith, and Kent. After Joe’s retirement and being caregivers to Bonnie’s parents, Bonnie and Joe traveled the country in their truck and Airstream. They visited all forty-eight contiguous states, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico; they traveled to Europe with Bonnie’s uncle, Charles Heffernan, as their tour guide. Bonnie and Joe celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the spring before Joe’s passing in 2012.
Above all, Bonnie cherished her family. Bonnie is survived by her son, Kevan Whitten, and his wife, Beth (Lyman); granddaughter, Grace Whitten; granddaughter, Rose Whitten; son, Keith Whitten, and his wife, Linda (St. Augustine, FL); granddaughter, Abby Whitten; granddaughter, Olivia Whitten and their mother, Julie Garrity-Whitten; son, Kent Whitten, and his wife, Dorilyn (East Waterboro); granddaughter, Meghan Dube, and her husband, Gabriel; great-grandchildren, Ava, Jasper, and Isla; grandson, Jacob Whitten and his wife, Gloria; grandson, Patrick Whitten; granddaughter, Jennifer Whitten. Brother, Roger Ford, and his wife, Rowlanda (Moncks Corner, SC); brother, Daniel Ford (East Waterboro). Brother-in-law, Brian Whitten, and his wife, Sandy (Shapleigh). Bonnie also leaves behind a special nephew, Nathan Ford, and his wife, Sandy, along with additional nephews, nieces, and cousins.
In her 82 years, Bonnie touched many lives with her generosity and kindness. She lived a full life marked by devotion to her family and unwavering faith in the Lord. While we grieve her passing, we also take solace in the knowledge that her spirit will remain with us. Bonnie's life was a beautiful example of how to live with grace and compassion, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kathryn Galbraith and her staff, Southern Maine Hospice, and hospice nurse, Julie, for their endless support and encouragement during Bonnie’s journey.
Visiting hours will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at Bonnie’s home, 537 Jellerson Rd., East Waterboro. A funeral service with be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, at the Free Baptist Church in East Waterboro, with Pastor Charles Storey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Free Baptist Church - Building Fund, P.O. Box 216, East Waterboro, Maine 04030.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com