Melissie Thomas Bontrager

Melissie Bontrager, age 83, died May 7, 1999 in Port Orchard, WA., her husband Thomas Bontrager died December 20, 1994.  Melissie was born July 16, 1915 in Seattle, WA to James and Bonnie Davis, she was raised in Bremerton, WA.  Thomas was born Jan. 17, 1916 in San Francisco, CA to Joseph and Bessie Bontrager.  He moved to Port Orchard at the age of 4.  They both graduated from Bremerton  High in 1934.  His jobs included deputy coroner for Kitsap County, truck driver, welder, and construction worker.  He was also a volunteer fire fighter and fire chief in Port Orchard.  He was a member of the Master Mason Port Orchard Lodge No 98 F & A.M., and the Eastern Star Chapter 44. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and Korean conflict.  After retirement, Tom enjoyed vacations in their motorhome.  On March 18, 1939 he married Melissie in Port Orchard.  Melissie was a homemaker and a retired self employed accountant who handled many of the Port Orchard Merchants from the 1950's through the 1970's.  She also worked at ship services at PSNS keeping the books during WWII.  She was a member of the Port Orchard Yacht Club and the Eastern Star.  They are survived by their sons Terry Bontrager of Port Orchard, WA., Gary Bontrager of Stanwood, WA., Melissie's brother James Davis Jr. of Silverdale, WA., grandchildren Barry Bontrager, Quincy Bontrager, Aaron Bontrager, Robert Staples, Katie Staples, and 2 great grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held May 12, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at Rill Chapel in Port Orchard, WA.