Bonnie L. (Bailey) Harrell, 92, of Huntington, passed away at 2:12 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Parkview Huntington Hospital.
Bonnie was born on August 18, 1930, in Huntington, IN, the daughter of Charles Amanuel “Jim” Bailey and Alta Mae (Eckelbarger) Bailey. She graduated from Huntington Township High School with the class of 1948. Bonnie married the love of her life, Charles L. "Chuck" Harrell, on December 16, 1950, in Marion, IN. They shared 32 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on June 19, 1983. She retired in 1993 from Magnetek of Huntington after 15 years of service. Since Bonnie wasn’t ready for full retirement, she took a part-time job as a greeter for Huntington’s Wal-Mart store from 1995-2002.
Bonnie was a devout member of the Broadway Church of Christ in Huntington. She was a lifetime horse-lover and owned a few throughout her life. In 1948 she had the honor of being the opening rider for the Huntington Centennial Celebration parade, proudly carrying the American Flag on her show-winning albino horse, Dusty. Bonnie enjoyed going to church functions, caring for others, spending time with family and friends, and watching / reading anything horse related. Although she never attended in-person, she watched 70 consecutive years of the Kentucky Derby on television.
Bonnie is survived by her son, Mark W. (Xavier) Harrell of Greentown, IN; two daughters, Dixie D. (Jeff) Leland of Andrews, IN, and Vicki S. Harrell of Bunker Hill, IN; two grandsons, Jimmy (Vicki) Hall of Wilmington, NC, and Ian Harrell of Greentown, IN; four great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Sophia, Preston, and Ainslee (Hall); and sister In-law, Marion "Red" Johnson of Huntington, IN. She is preceded in death by her sister - Joyce Jean Bailey, mother, father, husband, brother - Richard E. “Dick” Bailey, and nephew Rodney W. Bailey.
Honoring Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Broadway Church of Christ, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750, or online at www.baileylove.com.
Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com.
Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Bonnie L. Harrell.
