Elsie Ilene Wonneberger (Jones) Schneider

Elsie Jones Wonneberger Schneider, July 21, 1924-January 14, 2022 has left this earth to be with God and the loved ones who made their heavenly journey before her.

Elsie was born in Whitefish, Montana where she was raised by parents Ertie Lee Jones and Mary Elizabeth Byrne Jones, alongside her sisters Barbara, Lillian, Hazel and brother Ertie. She was so grateful and proud to have been a vital part of what, at that time, was a beautiful little town surrounded by mountains with Whitefish Lake as its crown jewel. While money and possessions were not abundant, they lived a life rich in natural beauty. The pristine air and water made camping in the Rockies, hunting, fishing, and growing your own vegetables a part of daily life. She won state titles for her singing and classical clarinet talents, and starred in her school plays.

After graduation at 18, Elsie bravely ventured from the small town of her youth to Washington D.C. There, she earned a job at the Army War College where she met her husband of 32 years, William (Bill) Karl Wonneberger (1914-1977). They married in 1945 and settled in McLean Va. where they raised their three children, Robert (1946-2002), Linda and William.

Elsie was ahead of her time. A brave, intelligent, funny, woman of faith who maintained an impressive career at the State Department and Capital Hill (serving as Congressman Frasers office manager), while raising three children and keeping a beautiful home. She was a vibrant member of the congregation at First Trinity Lutheran Church where she lent her glorious soprano to the choir, singing frequent solos and descants. Being of service to others was an integral part of her life whether through her frequent volunteer work or in sharing her delicious food and pies!

In 1982 Elsie wed John Earnest Schneider and they remained married for 26 years, 24 of which she spent lovingly caring for him through Parkinson’s disease before he passed in 2008.

After Ernie’s death, Elsie continued to live in Naples, Florida and Fenwick Island, Delaware, dedicating her days to helping friends, family and anyone blessed enough to be within her sphere of influence.

Elsie is survived by her daughter Linda Benanti, and son William (Bill) Wonneberger, as well as their families~Sal Benanti, Laura Benanti-Brown, Patrick Brown, Ella Benanti-Brown, Marielle Benanti-Dmohowski, Eric Dmohowski, Luke Dmohowski, Hilary Galvin, Nick Galvin, Hazel Galvin.

 John and Barbara Schneider and family, Bill and Nancy Schneider and family, Barbara and Paul Nelson and Family. She was predeceased by Carol Schneider.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date when it is safer to gather.

In lieu of flowers. donations to Community Family Life Services at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Washington D.C. would support the wonderful work they have been doing for decades.

Lastly, it was very important to Elsie that everyone know the cause of her earthly departure: “ODTAA”...”One damn thing after another”.

May we all be blessed enough to live a life so rich in humor and love.