Myra Bear
Alton | Save
Myra Bonnell Bear, 87, passed away at 10:12 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2011, at Methodist Village in Alton.
Myra was born May 25, 1923, in Alton, Ill., the daughter of the late George E. and Elvira (Gormly) Bonnell. She married David E. Bear on June 6, 1946, in Alton and he preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2010.
Myra graduated from Shurtleff College with her bachelor’s degree and served as a substitute teacher in the Alton School District for more than 20 years. She had been a member of Upper Alton Baptist Church since 1937 and was also a member of the Upper Alton Woman’s Club and Chapter GG of the P.E.O. sisterhood.
She is survived by three sons and their spouses, Philip (Marietta) Bear of Godfrey; Stephen (Susan) Bear of Chesterfield, Mo.; and John (Kathryn) Bear of Orange Park, Fla.; one brother-in-law, Richard Whaley of Alton; 12 grandchildren, Peter Bear, Jonathan Bear, Maria (Greg) Hernandez, Rachel Bear, Christine (Doug) Provost, Matthew (Susan) Bear, Katherine Bear, Melissa Bear, Allison Bear, Natalie Bear, Hannah Bear and John Bear; and three great-grandchildren, Theresa Bear, Ashleigh Provost and Claudia Hernandez.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister Georgia Bonnell Whaley.
Myra was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had the heart of a servant and her love and care for her husband of sixty-four years was a testament to her character. She was a woman of faith in her Savior Jesus Christ and lived each day with a humble attitude of genuine concern for and kindness towards others. Her family and many friends are a testament to her love for people. She truly displayed the fruit of the Spirit and the characteristics of the godly woman described in Proverbs 31: 10-31. She has now been reunited with her husband David and many other family members and friends that have previously gone on to be with the Lord. She is dearly missed and loved. She will never be forgotten on this side of eternity.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Upper Alton Baptist Church, 2726 College Ave. in Alton. Memorials may be directed to Upper Alton Baptist Church.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
