Bonita Marti

Bonita Marti, age 77, of rural Lamar, passed away at 1 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at her home. Bonita was born Feb. 28, 1930, in Barton County, to Willis and Bertha (Freedle) Fanning.

She graduated from Golden City High School and earned a teaching degree from Drury College in Springfield. On Dec. 24, 1950, at Lamar, she married Freeman Robert "Bob" Marti. Moving to Dallas, Texas, in 1954, Bonita worked as director of operations for the marketing and research firm, LBG, Inc. for many years. In 1980, she moved back to Barton County where she farmed and became well-known as an antiques dealer. She was a member of Newport Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Sherry Lynn Marti, Lamar, and Willis and Pat Marti, College Station, Texas; brother, Jerry Fanning; nephew, Mike Fanning both of Nevada; a sister-in-law, Tura Fanning, St. Joseph, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Chris, Robert, Keira, Kate, Nicole. Jessica, Christopher and Christian, all of Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Jake, Brianna and Michelle; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fleeter and Margaret Marti, Charles and Alice Marti, Don and Kay Marti, Jean Marti, all of Lamar, Delores Marti, Eunice Martin and Pearl "Polly" Schrock, all of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Freeman Robert "Bob" in 1986; a brother, Neil Fanning; and a sister-in-law, Lou Fanning.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 21, at Daniel Funeral Home with the Rev. Lonnie Pennell officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Newport Baptist Church, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.