Donna Jo (Bonfer) Lafary

Donna Jo (Bonfer) Lafary, 86, of Versailles passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019 at her home. She was born in the Versailles area on April 11, 1933, the daughter of Lane and Amy Louella (Greenwood) Bonfer. She was married to Robert E. Lafary Sr. on July 8, 1950 and he preceded her in death on July 25, 1995.

Other survivors include one daughter, Lisa (Butch) Allee of Versailles, daughter-in-law Kris Lafary of Versailles; grandchildren, Amy Jo Lafary of Champaign, Illinois, Dustin (Kristin) Allee, Dane (Jody) Allee, Shannon (Kenny) Benham, Rob Lafary and Faith Lafary, all of Versailles; great-grandchildren Tyler, Tayler and Allee Benham, Emma Heidt, Ella and Ava Allee and Lane Allee. She is also survived by her friend, Lorenzo Gonzalez. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert E. Lafary Jr.

Mrs. Lafary attended Versailles High School and received her diploma from South Ripley High School in 1968. Donna Jo was best known for serving the town of Versailles in the restaurant business. For 35 years, Donna Jo and Robert Sr. operated restaurants, starting as part owners of the White Pine restaurant before taking over as owners of the Colonial Cottage. In 1977, the couple took over the Malt Bar which became known as Lafary’s Restaurant and operated it until 1991. In later years, Mrs. Lafary was employed by Bovard’s Funeral Home, the Southeastern Career Center and was a long-time employee of Hardy Insurance in Versailles. She was also a member of the Versailles Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Rick Burcham officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.