Bonnie (Merckling) Burch, 81, daughter of Wayne and Sylvia (Walker) Merckling, was born June 15, 1931, in Granite City, Mo. She passed from this life Nov. 8, 2012, at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Mo.
She and Bill Burch were united in marriage Sept. 5, 1970. They made their home in Houston, Mo. Bill and Bonnie were married 33 years before his death in 2003.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Bill.
She is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Brackett of Houston, Mo., Melissa (Brackett) Levingston of Bucyrus, Mo., and Amber (Burch) Taylor of Mountain View, Mo.; three sons, Michial Brackett of Salem, Mo., Louis Brackett of Houston, Mo., and Samuel Brackett of Houston, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Gail Lee of Raymondville, Mo., Bettie Jones of Rolla, Mo., and Judy York of House Springs, Mo.; four brothers, Doyle Merckling of Houston, Mo., and Eddie Merckling, Norman Merckling and Dorman Merckling all of Raymondville, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Bonnie received Christ as her Savior early in her adult life and was faithful in His service. She was an Assembly of God minister, a Sunday school teacher and youth leader. Bonnie believed her ministry was wherever she went. Her life was a reflection of her faith.
Bonnie enjoyed antiques, quilting and puzzles. She always looked forward to family gatherings and spent days in the kitchen preparing for them.
Other than her children and grandchildren, Bonnie’s employment at Texas County Memorial Hospital was the pride of her life. She began working there in the 1960s in the obstetrics department. She assisted in over 500 deliveries. Bonnie was also one of the first EMTs. After a 10-year absence from work to stay home with her daughter, she was hired at Houston House Nursing Center and received her CNA training. In 1988. she returned to Texas County Memorial Hospital as a CNA. She retired from there in April 2003 to care for her husband, who was ill.
Bonnie was a loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend. She touched so many lives. Our hearts are broken. We know she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and she is with her King.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at Souls Harbor Family Worship with Pastor Cordie Wimberley officiating. Pallbearers were Richard Galligher,II, Levi Galligher, Austin Sanders, Blake Sanders, Ethan Taylor, Brandon Brackett, Michael Bishop, Tony McMillan and Tyler Strain. Honorary Pallbearers were Gaylord Ragain, Eddie Burch, Wayne Burch, Zachary Galligher, Neil Jones, Ron Jones and Jeff Jones. Burial was in Ozark Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the TCMH Auxiliary. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
