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Bonnie Merrell, of Globe, Ariz. departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. She was born on June 3, 1949 in Pomerene, Ariz. Bonnie was the eldest child of Camilla Fenn Smith and Joel Hansen Smith. She and her 10 siblings were raised in Mesa, Ariz. To escape the summer heat Bonnie and family enjoyed fun-filled summers on the Smith Ranch in Show Low, Ariz. Bonnie developed a love for music at a young age. Her talents as a violinist and pianist were shared with others and served as an expression of testimony and love.
Bonnie married her sweetheart, Dale W. Merrell, on May 5, 1979. Together they raised four beautiful children in Globe. Bonnie received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. She worked in the community as an educator and social worker. Bonnie enjoyed gardening, family history and emergency preparedness. Over the years Bonnie became a painting enthusiast. Her artistic creations depict an appreciation of nature, family and faith. Bonnie’s membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints served as a beacon of strength throughout her life. Her greatest love was quality time spent with family.
She was predeceased by her father, Joel Smith, her sister Janeen Smith (Noble), and her brothers Steven and Laverl Smith. She is survived by her mother Camilla Fenn Smith; her sons Glenn Merrell (Bianca), Allan Merrell (Tess) and David Merrell (Kara); her daughter Cyleste Farnsworth (David); and her siblings Joella Brown (John), Fred Smith (Leta), Dean Smith (Cyndee), Kevin Smith (Karen), Arlen Smith (Stacey), Eric Smith and Larry Smith (Reylene); as well as 11 beloved grandchildren (Ashley, Travis, Ethan, Henry, Layla, Timothy, Melanie, Scarlet, Eleanor, Nathan and Matthew).
Services in Bonnie’s honor will be held on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. and her interment will Immediately follow at the 7th street Cemetery in Benson, Arizona.
The family was assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe. Guestbook can be signed at www.BulmanMiles.com.
