Genevieve Coonly

Genevieve Hicks Coonly was born January 22, 1924 and passed away June 1, 2011. “Bebe”, a native El Pasoan and fifth-generation Texan, was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Bebe was educated at Loretto Academy, attended Mills College, and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in fine arts. She was an accomplished artist and activist. Bebe studied under Holland-born American Indian painter, Henry Balink, in Santa Fe, NM. She exhibited her paintings from California to New York and received numerous awards in painting. All who knew Bebe, marveled at her profound love of life and nature. No creature great or small was insignificant to her and she supported many local and national conservation groups in their efforts. Bebe was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Maj.William Coonly, and sisters, Jean Richey and Alice Ponder. She is survived by her only son, John Coonly; nieces, Susan McNamara, Jean Soto; and nephews Willy Ponder, Mike Richey, Steve Richey, Robert Richey, Jim Richey, and George Richey. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mayo Foundation, Guide dogs of Texas, or the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to her devoted and loving caregivers especially Lilia Felix, Raquel Reyes, and to VNA Hospice for their support and assistance. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.