Bonita June Merrill

Bonita Merrill passed away peacefully on August 17th after a prolonged struggle with several physical illnesses. In her struggles with those illnesses she exhibited the same strength and fortitude that characterized her throughout her life.

Born Bonita June Farrar in Hackett, Arkansas on June 11th, 1935 to her beloved parents Hugh and Hazel Farrar, Bonita graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1953. She married her husband Ollie Merrill on February 18, 1955. Bonita had a long and successful career at JC Penney’s working at stores in Fort Smith and then in Dallas, Texas. She was blessed with a strong artistic instinct and was a naturally gifted pianist.

Bonita’s life was characterized by her strong devotion to family, her perseverance, and her infectious sense of humor. All those touched by her life were provided with a wonderful example of how the inevitable turmoil’s of life can be softened through humor and the ability to put those turmoil’s into proper perspective. Bonita’s gifts will be missed but never forgotten by those who loved her so dearly.

Bonita was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Farrar, her mother, Hazel Farrar, and a brother, Wayne Farrar. She is survived by her husband, Ollie Merrill, daughters, Karen Foster and Kathy Merrill, son, Keith Merrill, brother, Jim Farrar, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

If desired, floral tributes may be sent to the funeral home for the memorial service, or donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in memory of Bonita.