Doris Bonita Clay, 93, of Ottumwa died at 3:52 a.m. August 15, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.
She was born September 25, 1931 in Ottumwa to John Earl and Ella Dimmitt Copeland. Bonita married Kenneth Everett Anderson in 1952 and they later divorced. She married Murl Dean Clay June 28, 1986 and he preceded her in death March 13, 2021.
She worked at Everco for 23 years and Hawkeye Moulding in Albia 3 more years.
Bonita and Murl moved to Atkins, AR in 2000. After Murl’s death Bonita moved back to Ottumwa in 2021 to be closer to her son Todd.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed putting puzzles together, doing word searches, and listening to Classic Country Music. She looked forward to Everco reunions, Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant and loved visiting with family and friends.
Bonita and Murl were members of Wapello Travelin’ Sams RV Club and traveled across country by RV and on a Gold Wing motorcycle.
Surviving are her children, Debbie Tippett (Marc Briseno) of Nevada, Tony (Tammy) Anderson of Ottumwa and Todd Anderson (Donna Durham) of Ottumwa; sister, Judy (Larry) Bandixen of Newton; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; several stepchildren and step grandchildren, and lots of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kenneth Anderson Jr.; 5 brothers, Kenneth Copeland, Jack Copeland, Roy Copeland and Fred Copeland: 2 sisters, Pauline Pettit, and Marilyn Williams.
Visitation will be open 10 a.m. Thursday, August 21st at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Burial will be in Atkins City Cemetery in Atkins, AR.
