Bonnie - Zela Ruth Howard, 79, Bonnie died at 6 a.m. October 25, 2003 at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.

She was a retired sales clerk and was a homemaker.

Mrs. Howard was born July 19, 1924 in Bonnie to Ronald and Veneeta (Merriman) Allen.

She married Warren G. Howard on August 16, 1941 in Benton, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 25, 1967.

Mrs. Howard is survived by a son, Tommy Joe “TJ” Howard and wife Marla of Bonnie; three daughters, Shirley Roney of Irvington, Patty Hale and husband Eddie of Bonnie, and Karen Jung and husband Dave of Mt. Vernon; eight grand-children, Scott Roney and wife Cheryl of Decatur, Tony and KayCee Hale of Bonnie, Malori Winchester and husband Ryan of Mt. Vernon, Dristi and Dyle Lamichhane of Mt. Vernon, Jennifer Simms and husband Jeff of Bonnie, and Jamie Robinson and husband Robby of Waltonville; five great-grandchildren, Dane, Savannah, and Addison Roney of Decatur, Tyler Winchester of Mt. Vernon, and Harlie Eubanks of Bonnie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother Gerald Allen.

Mrs. Howard was a long time active member of Bonnie Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at Bonnie Baptist Church in Bonnie with the Rev. Merle Fullerton officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Johnston's Funeral Home in Ina was in charge of arrangements.

Source: The Daily American, West Frankfort, IL
Date: November 1, 2003
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman