of Marion, AR

April 3, 1935 - November 19, 2022

April 3rd, 1935 - November 19th, 2022

Bonnie Bell (Ripper) McDonald of Marion passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 19th, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Gene McDonald, whom she married on August 5th, 1950; her father, John Sterling Ripper; her mother, Hassie Bell (Baty) Ripper; also her siblings, Frank, Alfred, Harold, Joe, Ruby Joyce, Donald and Mardis Ann; one son, Larry Gene McDonald (Karren); one daughter, Brenda Gail McDonald and one grandson, Larry Gene McDonald Jr. She is survived by two sons, John Aubrey McDonald (Jacque) of Crawfordsville, AR and Ron Keith McDonald (Chrissy) of Ozark, MO. Grandchildren, Ricky Taylor (Carla), Christy Nance (Chris), Michael McDonald, Mark McDonald, Corey McDonald and Casey McDonald. Great-grandchildren, Brandon Nance, Kendall Taylor and Katlynn Nance. One brother, Marion Ripper (Ruby) and a host of friends and relatives.
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The family wishes to recognize some special friends, Burl and Patricia Smith, who loved and cared for Mrs. Bonnie for several months during her illness. The family is most grateful to both of them.

Ms. McDonald was a member of Marion Church of God. She worked several jobs during her lifetime. She worked as a seamstress for Bobbie Brooks Clothing. She worked as a waitress. She worked as a school bus driver. She worked construction with her husband, Darrell, and ran the job site office. She loved gardening and taking care of her flowers and yard. She was a great seamstress and made clothes for her and the family for years. She also made her own pillows, curtains and quilts. She made costumes for church programs and even an Elvis impersonator.

Ms. McDonald loved arts and crafts. She made several paintings. She painted on wood and other items and sold them at craft fairs. She was a fantastic cook and always made sure you were fed.

Everyone she met viewed her as a mother. Even after dementia had run its course, she left everyone with a hug, telling them, ''Well, I love ya.''.

As much as Mrs. McDonald loved strangers, friends and her family, above all else, she loved the Lord! As her dementia progressed, though names of family and friends would sometimes escape her, she never forgot the name of Jesus or her love for him and his love for humankind. Down to her final days, raising her hands to the heavens, she would serenade family and friends by singing her favorite gospel hymns, remembering every verse, remembering every word. Down to her last day on earth, she remained in AWE of God's love.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd, with services directly after at Roller-Citizens funeral home in West Memphis with a burial service at Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery in Marianna, Arkansas.

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