Monday, January 20, 2025
Roberta Joanne (West) Bonnell, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on July 15th, 2024. Born in Antigo, WI, Roberta was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She married Richard Clinton Bonnell of Antigo and together they raised ten children and co-owned the Red Owl grocery store.
A devoted housewife, Roberta was also an active member of St. Stephen's Church, where her faith and kindness touched many lives. She was known for her loving and giving nature, always selfless, caring, and generous to those around her.
In her free time, Roberta cherished spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed many crafts, including quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and was frequently trying new trending creative projects. She enjoyed antiquing and rummaging for items to add to everyone’s collections. If someone did not have a collection, she would happily decide what they needed and fill their collection space in record time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Myron West, and her sisters Jeanne Means, Norma Bishop, Margaret Brown, and Sue Schmidt.
Roberta's memory will be lovingly cherished by her children: Camille (James) Meyer, Beth (John) Dolan, Rick (Barb) Bonnell, Jody (Kevin) Mixter, Margaret (Ron) Osness, Andrew (Jenny) Bonnell, Ginger Ubert (Doug Harland), Becca (Dan) Wiese, Doug Bonnell, and Brad (Hazley) Bonnell.
She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Heidi, Derek (MaryLynn), Leah (Kody), Zac (Elizabeth), Kelsey, Tyler, Cade, Maddix (Matt), Chase, Hannah, Mallory, Mitchell (Kalie), Garrett (Stephanie), Mackenzie (Mike), Allison, Ethan (Cattaliya), Karlie, Drew, Demi, Riley, Tayler, Corvin, Darby, Turner and step grandchildren Cole (Aly), Evan.
Her legacy continues with her great-grandchildren: Sadia, Daveed, Marley, Kenzie, Lila, Everett, Parker, Maisie, Keston, Eloise and Reid, as well as her great-great-grandchildren: Zaymon and Amiriez.
Additionally, she is survived by a dear brother-in-law, Robert Schmidt and many loved nieces and nephews.
Roberta's family and friends will forever remember her as a beacon of love, creativity, and selflessness. She touched many lives with her generosity and warm spirit. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
To respect Roberta’s wishes, no services will be held.
The family wishes to thank Compassus of Rhinelander and Wausau, along with Mountain Terrace senior living for their exemplary, compassionate care.
Condolences may be sent digitally to: bonnellrj@gmail.com
