Bonnie Sue McQuate, 79 of Ashland passed from this life on Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, at Lifecare Hospice in Wooster.
She was born on May 11, 1946, in Lodi, the daughter of the late James and Morna (nee Yonker) Bess.
Bonnie graduated from Northwestern High School. She married the love of her life, Randall McQuate, on October 20, 1979.
Bonnie retired from Ashland County Job and Family Services in 2012 after more than 10 years of service. She was previously employed at Westfield Insurance Company and the National Latex for many years.
She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church and a proud volunteer at Hospice of North Central Ohio and Samaritan Hospital for many years.
Bonnie’s favorite time of year was Christmas.
She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Randy McQuate of Ashland; three children, Dave (Lynda) Geitgey of West Salem, Ed Geitgey of West Salem, and Sue (Paul) Kocab of Ashland; 11 grandchildren, Zach Kocab, Nicole (Brett) Garand, Jacob (Reilly) Kocab, Luke (Mikayla) Kocab, Korrah Kocab, Matt (Katie) Geitgey, Adam (Layce) Geitgey, Jenna (Dillon) Wipert, Dustin (Courtney) Geitgey, Derik (Gwen) Geitgey, Kelsey (Jacob) Riggenbach; one brother, Ray (Marlena) Walton of Wooster; and her canine companions, her beloved yorkies, Brody and Kobe.
In addition to her parents Bonnie is preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Stacey Geitgey; one sister, Kay Ralston; and one brother, Gary Bess.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Vicar Derek Kubilus and Deacon Toni McKee presiding. Interment will follow in the Ashland County Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit on Monday evening, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio, 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com