Bonnie Ellen Marvil

Bonnie (Ellis) Marvil, 75, passed suddenly on June 4th at her residence in Marshall, MI. Born on May 29, 1936 to Dr. Garland and Bernice (Downey) Ellis in Oak Park, Illinois, she was raised in nearby River Forest. She attended Northwestern University where she met Joel D. Marvil whom she wed on May 24, 1958.

For many years she made her home in Sparta, New Jersey where she was active in the Newton Memorial Hospital Junior Auxiliary. Later she lived in Newton, New Jersey before moving to Marshall, MI in 2008. She was a compassionate and caring friend, mother and grandmother, always quick with an infectious laugh and a wonderfully endearing smile.

Afflicted with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 19, she refused to give this insidious disease any acknowledgement to limiting her life. She enjoyed community events and travel, particularly to Disney World. She was an avid tennis player in her younger days and enjoyed following college football and basketball. Of recent years she enjoyed reconnecting with long time friends and attending anything her grandchildren were involved with.

A woman of deep faith, she was currently a member of the Homer Presbyterian Church and the Sparta Presbyterian Church for many years before that. She was called to do whatever she could to help people in need.

She was predeceased by her husband Joel, a daughter Kimbeth and two brothers Ross and Ward Ellis.

She is survived by her son, Rev. Timothy Marvil and his wife Meg, of Homer, MI, her sister Mary (Dick) Ayers of Charlotte, NC and grandsons Joshua, Thomas and Christopher.

A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held July 17th, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church of Homer, Michigan at 3 p.m. with a fellowship meal to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the First Presbyterian Church of Homer, Mi (309 South Sophia Street, Homer, MI 49245) or to the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements entrusted to the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224