Eli D. Bontrager, 100, of Providence, formerly of Newton, KS, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024. Born in Springer, NM, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. Y. and Susan Nissley Bontrager. For 72 years, Eli was the beloved husband of the late Maxine F. (Troyer) Bontrager. He was an auto mechanic and, later, taught auto mechanics at the North Central Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School, Beloit, Kansas, before his retirement in 1987. He proudly served his country in the Navy during WWII. He and his wife devoted years of volunteer service to McCurdy School in New Mexico. Eli and Maxine moved to Providence in 2018 and were members of Beneficent Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. His siblings were Jonas (J. D.) Bontrager, Ida Yoder, Abe Bontrager, Dan Bontrager, Roy Bontrager, Ira Bontrager, Clara Yoder, David Bontrager, Katie Mae Popp, Emma Lou Saunders, and Glenn Bontrager. Eli leaves his loving son, Terry Bontrager, and his husband, Louis A. Verdelotti; beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Bontrager, Alexa Bontrager, and Karlton Bontrager; and beloved great-grandchildren: Calder Whitten and Branwen Whitten. A celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McCurdy Ministries Community Center 362A S. McCurdy Road, Espanola, NM 87532. For further information and condolences, please visit MOUNTPLEASANTFH.COM.