Bonita Pearl Hargate was born on April 2, 1942 and lived a wonderful life of 79 years, parting this earth on June 3, 2021 at her home in Harviell, Missouri while surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Portageville, Missouri to Florence Birdwell and Edith Crockett, she had 11 siblings altogether. She married Elmer Dale Hargate on March 23, 1963 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Together, they had two children, Scottie Dale Hargate and Belinda Jean. Bonita and Dale shared 56 years of marriage when Elmer Dale left this earth on July 1, 2019.
A beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, she was a member of Butler County for over 50 years. It was there that she spent much of her time front porch sitting and walking her gravel road, enjoying her life in the country. There is nothing she loved more than taking care of those around her and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Bonita was also a member of Ash Hill General Baptist Church located in Fisk, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Birdwell, her siblings, Wanda Lee Birdwell, Sabra Joyce Birdwell, Vernon Birdwell, MaryLynn Miller, Wayne Birdwell, Glen Birdwell and Sharon Smith, along with her son, Scottie Dale Hargate and husband, Elmer Dale Hargate.
Bonita is survived by her siblings, Junior and Barbara Birdwell, Vergie and Ernie Thompson, Dianne and Tom Prince, as well as Anita McCrory. She is also survived by many more loved ones including her daughter, Belinda; grandchildren, Quinton, Tara, Natalie and Lily and great-grandkids, Jayda, Bentley and Bryson.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 8 at Fowler and Sons in Neelyville, Missouri with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 1 p.m. where her graveside service will begin and take place in the Coon Island Cemetery.