Bonita Jean Smith McDanel, 73, of Beaver, passed away on June 6th, 2026. She was born on February 17th, 1953, a daughter of the late John Charles Smith and Jean Eleanora Robinson Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter S. McDanel Jr., her son, Shaun Charles Justice, lost at birth, her sister, Joyce Smith Grandstaff and her nephew, John Scott Merriman. She is survived by her son, Marc Elliot Justice and his wife, Renee Christine Justice, her daughter, Kimberly Ann Justice, her stepson, Adam McDanel and her grandchildren: Sean Mark Justice, Colin John Justice, Gabriel Alyse Baclit, and Maison Frederick Hogue.

Bonita was a graduate of Center High School, with its class of 1971, and retired from working at Atcheson Oral Surgery where she devoted many years of dedicated service. In her final years, Bonita faced Alzheimer’s disease with the quiet dignity that defined her throughout her life. Though the illness took much from her, it could not diminish the love her family held for her or the mark she left on those who knew her. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th St Extension, Freedom. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.