Lila Ruth (Bonner) Cox

Lila Ruth (Bonner) Cox, age 86, passed from this life, into the arms of her Heavenly Father, on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Hendrick Hospice in Abilene. She was born in Sweetwater, TX on August 4, 1935 to Storey Wright Bonner and Fannie Rogers (Nunn) Bonner.

Lila was a devout Christian with a true servant’s heart. She had many things she was deeply passionate about, including Merkel Church of Christ, the Fortnightly Study Club, Wreaths Across America, as well as, the Merkel Museum. She graduated from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught elementary school in Lamesa, S&S Consolidated and also for Merkel ISD. Lila was an excellent cook and was well known for her delicious casseroles. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons: Deral Cox and wife Tammy of China Springs, TX, David Cox and wife Beth of Lubbock, and Del Van Cox and wife Chris of Abilene; daughter: Dana Goad and husband Tim of New Braunfels; sister: Reba Renfro of Arlington; sisters-in-law: Bobbi Bonner of Runge, TX and Phyllis Bonner of Abilene; grandchildren: Sheena Cox, Tyrel Cox, Sonya Vasquez, Megan Tucker and husband Westin, Jim Cox and wife Kaila, Molly Arellano and husband Anthony, Amy Bennett and husband Adam, Chris Goad, Nathalie Woodruff and husband Chad, Emily, Clay and Sarah Cox; 12 great-grandchildren; also numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Nowlin “Corky” Cox; parents: Storey and Fannie Bonner; sisters: Jo Ann Leonard (Maxie) and Margaret Willis (Dallas); and brothers: Earl Bonner, Royce Bonner and Clyde Bonner (Geri).

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday August 23, 2021, at the Merkel Church of Christ. A Celebration of Lila’s life will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday August 24, 2021, at the Merkel Church of Christ with interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Starbuck Funeral Home and condolences to the family may be sent online at www.starbuckfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, Lila’s wishes were for donations to be made to Fortnightly Study Club, Wreaths Across America, or the Merkel Museum.

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