Sarah Frances Bonnell

Sarah Frances Bonnell November 20, 1945 – May 19, 2025

Sarah Frances Bonnell, affectionately known as “Billow” by her brother Rikk—a tender shortening of “Baby Littlelo”—passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the age of 82 in Salem, Oregon, with her daughter by her side. Her passing was marked by grace and compassion, surrounded by love and the devoted care of Windsor Hospice.

Born on November 20, 1943, Sarah possessed a quiet brilliance and a profound emotional depth from the earliest years of her life. Her big brown eyes, often glistening, reflected both her sensitivity and her perceptiveness. She began speaking at an early age and soon developed a deep love for reading, a passion that endured throughout her life. An insatiable and discerning reader, Sarah found joy and meaning in literature, music, and art.

Sarah was a proud member of Mensa and earned a certificate in Gemology. She pursued artistic painting, finding creative expression in color and form. Music brought her solace and joy; she especially loved Peter and the Wolf and The Nutcracker Suite, recalling each note and lyric with childlike wonder and precise memory.

Among her deepest joys was the intellectual and emotional companionship she shared with her dear friend Susan Bellamy Landess of Portland, Oregon. Together, they delved into the intricacies of literature, engaging in thoughtful conversations that nourished her spirit.

Sarah is survived by her loving daughter, Melanie Renée Dahl; her siblings Margaret Bonnell Ritter, Noel LeRoy Bonnell, and George Robert Bonnell; sister-in-law Sandra Dahl; and mother-in-law Rita Dahl. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Dahl; her parents, Fred and Mildred Bonnell; and her brothers Rikk and Mark.

She is also remembered with enduring love and gratitude by Veronica and Iris Garcia, whose nine years of dedicated caregiving brought Sarah immeasurable comfort and dignity.

A memorial service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the James Canyon Cemetery near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. The service will be officiated by Rev. Darrell Winter.

Sarah’s life was rich in intellect, creativity, compassion, and love. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.