Bonnie J. (Forbes) Markel
(b. Jan. 11, 1932 - d. Jan. 31, 2010)

ASHLAND: Bonnie J. (Forbes) Markel, absent from the body, present with the Lord, left this life on January 21, 2010 to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was born in Olivesburg, Ohio on January 11, 193 and preceded in death by parents J. Blaine and Yana Forbes of Adario. She was married on April 19, 1953 to Richard W. Markel who preceded her in death on March 11, 2006.

Bonnie was a born-again Christian, and a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Ashland.

Bonnie served the LORD JESUS CHRIST faithfully, and since the day of her salvation of February 4, 1952 has served many areas of the church ministry. She has ministered faithfullly as a Sunday School teacher and aide, youth director, choir member, nursing home visitation worker and most recently as a greeter for Calvary Baptist Church. She also enjoyed several mission trips, working with her family at Roloff Evangelistic Association Homes in Texas. She touched many lives through her work as a volunteer for Hospice of Ashland County and Codirector of Activities at the Ashland County Council on Aging, also serving as on the Board of Directors of the ACCA. She was Master of Ceremonies for several years Ashland County Council on Aging Senior Citizen's Day. Bonnie's first place of employment was at the Shelby Air Force Depot.

Bonnie found great joy in her grandchildren, who delighted in her pies, popcorn and sense of humor.

She is survived by her blessings from God: son Timothy (Deb) Markl; daughters Tamara (Wayne) Houser and Teresa (Curt) Young of Ashland. She was loved by her grandchildren, Shannon (Mark) Purdy, Sarah (Greg) Summers, Sheldon Markel, Clint (Jacquelyn) Houser, Calvin (Mindy) Houser, Chad (Jada) Houser, Carl Houser, Clair Houser, Clark Houser, Esther Houser, Eleanor Houser, Jessica (Brad) Ingram, and Isaac, Ethan, Elijah, and Ezra Young. She was also richly blessed with great grandchildren, Luke and Klayton Purdy, Trenton and Gradon Summers, Titus and Abigail Ingram, Myah Houser and Blaine Houser.

She will always be remembered for her great faith by dear friend and prayer warrior, Ted Seibert.

Bonnie enters her new heavenly home before dear sisters, Jean (Conley) Tirey of Lancaster, KY, Mickie Markel, and Pat (Dave) Watson of Ashland. She will be missed by brothers, Russ (Jan) Forbes and Smith (Glenna) Forbes of Ashland. Sisters, Alva Hinckley, Rhea Miller and Betty Black, and brothers, John and Wilbur Forbes have passed on before her. Wonderful sisters-in-law include Joanne Forbes, Lola Forbes, Lois Budd and Millie Carmen. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Sam (Iris) Markel of Ashland. Many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins have been encouraged by her testimony.

This godly mother, grandmother, sister and friend will be greatly missed, but she often testified without a shadow of doubt that all those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour will one day join her in heaven.

Calling hours will be Thursday, February 4, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 210 Davis Road, Ashland from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Internment will be at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, in her memory, may be made to the Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 5, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Source: Mansfield News-Journal

Revision: 3/10/2011