Our beloved Mama Bear, Bona Dillon Press, 84, of Ventura, California, passed away Saturday, Feb. 6 at her home after a heroic battle with cancer. Her death came one year to the day after the passing of her sweetheart, Larry Press.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bona Cress was born to Ethie and Orlando Cress on Jan. 13, 1938. She went to Central High School in her hometown, then on to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where she earned a BA in English and an MA in Journalism.
She ventured from the Midwest to California in 1962 with her first husband, Ron Dillon, where she kicked off a lifelong career as an educator, first at Foothill High School, then at Bakersfield College and later Moorpark College in Ventura County. Though more than 2,000 miles away, she remained close and devoted to her mother and three brothers; John, Kim and Steve Cress and seven nieces and nephews she adored.
Her adult life’s devotion was steadfast and dedicated to her own family, hundreds of friends and colleagues, and broader issues of student press rights, social justice, minority voices in the arts and journalism, women in politics and unity generally. She was also widely known as the Chief Celebrator and Gatherer of all people.
Bona and husband Larry Press, who was by her side for nearly 50 years, were generous contributors to dozens of non profits and charities in Ventura and across the nation — most notably the New West Symphony Harmony Project, Temple Beth Torah, Ball State University, Genesis Sober Living and various organizations advocating for
migrant fieldworkers in California.
She is survived by her daughter, Lucinda, of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Steven (Sarah) of Florence, MT; grandchildren, Dillon, Piper, Kennedy and Claire. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry Press, and brother John. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or to the New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura.
A small private graveyard service took place this week. But please mark your calendars for Aug. 6, 2021, when we will have a party and celebration at the Ventura Harbor in honor of this remarkable woman’s life. Stay tuned for info. And as Bona would frequently say in parting, “Take good care of yourself. Cheers.”