News & Scoops

Chuck Wagon Gang’s Bus Driver’s Wife Passes Away

The Chuck Wagon Gang is saddened to learn of the passing of Kathy Shonkwiler from Marietta, GA. Kathy's husband, Monte Shonkwiler, often drove the bus for The Gang, and both frequented our concerts in the area. Kathy was always so pleasant, upbeat, and cordial at our concerts, and all of us will certainly miss her. She passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 6th with her family gathered around her bedside. Funeral and visitation will be in Ohio, but there will probably be a memorial service in Roswell, GA at a later time.

OBITUARY: Kathleen Sue Newman Shonkwiler, age 65, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Portsmouth, Ohio, won her battle with cancer and was welcomed into heaven on November 6, 2011.

She was born November 16, 1945 in Otway, Ohio to Lyle and Bertha Newman. She is survived by her husband of forty-two years, Monte Shonkwiler, her daughters and their husbands, Ginger (Peter) Gonzalez, Jill (Andy) Nymeyer and their children, Erika Kathleen and Garrett Luis Gonzalez, and Kendyl Ann, Bryce William, and Devyn Kathleen Nymeyer. She is also survived by her mother Bertha Newman, two brothers, Dan (Sue) Newman, John (Cindy) Newman, and a sister Lori (Jim) Jones, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Lyle Newman.

She was a graduate of Northwest High School and attended Ohio University. She sang for many years as The Hills & Valleys Trio with her husband and her cousin, Joan Evans, touching many lives. She will be remembered for her great love and friendship.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday at Hills Chapel Church, 3417 Rocky Fork Road, in Otway, OH, with Pastor Jonathan King officiating. Burial will follow in Koenig Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Botkin Funeral Home, 65-- State Route 348, Otway, OH (Telephone 740-947-2313), and from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. Thursday at the church.

Cards and letters may be addressed to the family:
Monte Shonkwiler
2246 Hill Creek Way
Marietta, GA 30062

A guest book is available for signing at the funeral home's website. The link is:
http://www.botkinfuneralservice.com/obituaries/details.php?id=543

Please keep the family in your prayers in the coming days.