Bonita A. Carpenter Crusen

OLEAN — Bonita A. Carpenter Crusen, 93, of Olean, passed away Friday (May 29, 2026) at home with her daughter, Rhonda, and Brian, in Portville.

Born May 8, 1933, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Lorella Boyd Carpenter. On July 4, 1972, in Allegany, she married Erwin R. “Dick” Crusen, who predeceased her Sept. 18, 2008.

Bonnie was a 1952 graduate of Belmont Central School and worked for the former Bell Telephone Co., later New York Telephone, for over 28 years. She then worked for a time for the former Professional Answering Service in Olean. She retired after working for the former Sugarcreek Stores in Olean.

She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.  She loved the company of her cats and enjoyed attending bingo at the Ischua Fire Hall with her friends.

She leaves behind her daughter, Rhonda (Brian Cornelius) Morgan of Portville; as well as five children from her husband’s prior marriage, Mickey (Larry) Skipper, Kenny Crusen, Marcia (John) Schornak, Richey Crusen and Chris Crusen; several grandchildren, especially Austin Morgan, with whom she spent the most time; many great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Betty Lou Crusen of Olean.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Tim Carpenter; a stepsister, Gloria Marsh; a stepbrother, Jim Marsh; and stepsons, Terry Crusen and Larry Crusen.

The family will honor Bonita’s life at a future date. Burial will be next to her husband Dick in Hinsdale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Olean Hinsdale Road, Olean, NY 14760.

Arrangements are with Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.