Bonnie Rudner

Barbara “Bonnie” Rudner passed away on September 10, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Bess (Rabinowitz) Wolf and Edward Wolf. When she was six, her family moved to Canton, Ohio, where she attended Jesse H. Mason Elementary School and was a cheerleader.

Bonnie graduated from John H. Lehman High School in June 1960. A gifted writer, she earned recognition at the state level. She served on the editorial staff of the Lehman Journal and the business staff of the Polaris yearbook. She also participated in Quill and Scroll, Players and Thespians, and the National Forensic League for speech and debate. Beyond school, she was active in BBYO and USY, holding leadership roles in both organizations.

Bonnie went on to attend The Ohio State University, where she was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and pursued a dual major in dental hygiene and elementary education.

Bonnie and the love of her life, Bill Rudner, had first met at Mason Elementary School when she was eight and he was nine. They began dating in high school, and their relationship continued at Ohio State. On Thanksgiving Day in 1963, they married at Shaaray Torah Synagogue in Canton and soon afterward made their home in Cleveland.
Bonnie took great pride in her career as a dental hygienist, practicing from 1963 until 2008. During her 45-year career, she formed lasting connections with her patients, many of whom followed her from one practice to another as the dentists with whom she worked retired.

In December 1965, Bonnie and Bill returned to Canton. A natural leader who led by example, Bonnie gave tirelessly of her time and talents to many volunteer organizations. She was a life member of Hadassah. At Shaaray Torah she played an active role in the Sisterhood, planning and organizing numerous events and galas and serving as chair of the gift shop. She was also instrumental in founding the synagogue’s Couples Club, which welcomed new members and strengthened social connections within the congregation. Bonnie also served as a docent at the Canton Museum of Art.

An avid gardener and a member of the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, she completed countless projects over the years. She was especially proud to have organized and led the design and needlepointing of five vibrant Torah covers for Shaaray Torah’s 100th anniversary, personally stitching one of them. Creativity infused everything she did, from her needlework and gardening to the imaginative parties and gatherings she planned. Known affectionately as “the hostess with the mostest” and the ultimate balabusta, she delighted in baking, cooking, and creating warm, memorable occasions and holidays for family and friends.

Bonnie was also an exercise enthusiast whose activities over the years included Jazzercise, tai chi, walking, jogging, and water aerobics. Diligent, determined, honest and deeply committed, she brought energy, purpose and humor to every project she undertook.

A devoted Buckeye fan, Bonnie loved attending Ohio State football games and traveling to bowl games, always in full Buckeye regalia, including her lucky buckeye necklace. She and Bill were members of the President’s Club, and Bonnie enjoyed its programs highlighting the university’s goals and advancements in academics and medicine. They were also lifetime members of The Ohio State University Alumni Association. Bonnie remained connected to the dental school as well, attending meetings and participating in programs.

In 2008, Bonnie and Bill moved to Columbus, where they formed many new and cherished friendships. She became a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel and Jefferson Country Club. Always eager to plan a party, Bonnie served as social chair of Jefferson Village for 10 years. Bonnie also enjoyed mah-jongg, book club, and canasta—a favorite pastime that began in Canton and continued in Columbus.
Bonnie and Bill also shared a love of travel, visiting more than 70 countries across six continents. They joyfully passed that passion on to their children and grandchildren, creating treasured memories together around the world.

Above all, Bonnie was a devoted mother to Marcy and Beth, a loving mother-in-law to Mark and Michael, and the very best Nana to her grandsons, Sam, Adam, and Ezra. The rules she had established for her daughters did not apply to her grandsons. She relished serving them dessert before dinner and suspending bedtime whenever they were together.

Bonnie is survived by Bill Rudner, her cherished husband of 62 years; her daughters, Marcy (Mark) Ungar and Beth (Michael) Margolis; her grandsons, Sam Ungar, Adam Ungar, and Ezra Margolis; her sister, Sherri Savran; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon Rudner Dillon and Steve Dillon; her aunt, Heddy Rabe; and many beloved nephews, cousins, and friends. Bonnie was predeceased by her parents Bess and Edward Wolf, and her sister Marcia Wolf.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 E. Main St. Interment will follow at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Marcy and Mark Ungar Monday - Wednesday from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Tifereth Israel in support of educational and social programs for children and adults with special needs, the Boulder Jewish Community Center Safety and Security Endowment Fund, or a charity of your choice.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85318786136?pwd=Sba2u7sc33eAWuiXBshZFs0QwVjC0B.1