Wayne County Press
30 July 30, 1903

Miss Alva Belle Bonnell, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Bonnell, passed away at Eagle, Colorado, last Saturday. Her parents removed to that state late last fall, thinking a change might prove beneficial. She did improve for a time but last March she was attack with lagrippe and soon lost all she had gained. From that time the decline was rapid until the end came.

She came to this place with her parents about six years ago, when her father assumed the presidency of Hayward college and lived here about two years, or until her father became pastor of the M. E. church at Epworth, White county. During her stay here she made many warm friends, who will ever hold her high in kind remembrance. While here a sister, Miss Stella, died of the same disease which took Miss Alva away.

The remains of the deceased were prepared for burial and the start from Eagle, Colo., was made at ten o'clock Monday morning. Dr. Bonnell accompanied the remains of his daughter and arrived here at noon Wednesday. The remains were at once taken to the first M. E. church, where they were viewed by many friends of the deceased before the funeral, which occurred at 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Quite a party of friends came up from Epworth to attend the funeral and Photographer Turnbull took a photograph of the casket and remains and the Epworth friends.

The funeral was largely attended by friends of the deceased. The sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. J. G. Tucker. There were numerous floral tributes of respect from friends of the deceased at Epworth and of this city.

The active pall bearers were: Dr. D. E. Walters, J. B. Wall, J. S. Wilson, E. P. Fleming, Chas. I. Bean and J. B. Handley. The honorary pallbearers were members of her old Sunday School class at this place as follows: Misses Kate Kramer, Nellive Johns, Flora McCown, Mabel Cox, Grace Stinson and Edith Dwyer.

At the conslusion of the exercises at the church the remains were taken to the city cemetery, where the interment took place.

There are some facts in connection with her life not mentioned in the foregoing, which are included in the following obituary:

daughter of Rev. J. G. and Sarah C. Bonnell, was born at Naples, Ill., Aug. 28, 1878, and died at Eagle, Colo., July 25, 1903, aged 25 years 10 months and 27 days.

She was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Quincy, Ill., in early childhood, and has lived a beautiful christian life ever since, adorning her profession and developped into an excellent christian worker in the Sunday school, Epworth League, and in general church and benevolent work. She was of a lovely, unselfish disposition which delighted in seeking the comfort and pleasure of others, and so she was beloved by old and young alike and wherever she has lived made many friends.

For eleven months she has battled bravely against the ravages of disease. Early last fall, it becoming apparent that a change of climate would be important for her, her parents arranged to give her the benefit of Colorado's climate, fondly hoping that with the aid of good medical skill and careful nursing, this would restore her to health. They reached Eagle, Colo., Nov. 26, 1902. Gaining substanially during the winter months, early in March, 1903, she was assailed by la grippe, which robbed her of all she had gained and more. But she struggled on bravely until Tuesday, July 21, pleurisy in her left side developed and soon made it apparent that the unequal conflict must soon end, as it did the Saturday following. Her strength was exhausted, the vital spark departed, and she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, as calmly as sinks the summer sun to rest.

She as a loving, obedient child, a sweet and affectionate sister, and ardent and true friend. That she was prepared for a better home, her life and work attest. Her long afflication was endured with remarkable fortitude, while her last words were full of comfort to her parents, two brothers, and only sister who survive her. But she has gone to join with others, her older sister who five years ago this month preceded her to the better land, and by whose side in the beautiful cemetery at Fairfield, Ill., her body will repose to await the resurrection.