Dessie Connell of Green Forest, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born October 2, 1940, in Fresno, CA to Walter and Elsie Billingsley Keys. On May 12, 1969, she married Marvin Connell and together they raised 4 wonderful children.

Known as a loving, kind and generous person, Dessie devoted her life to helping others. Growing up in a large family as one of 17 children, she learned to always think of others and to help those in need.  She never knew a stranger; she knew how to make everyone feel important. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and she always made sure everyone had a gift to open. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed arts and crafts, and embroidery work. She loved to taking care of her flowers and plants.

Dessie is survived by her 4 children, daughter Kathy White and her husband Ronnie of Oak Grove, son Rick Jones of Bentonville, son Barry Connell of Green Forest, and daughter Deanna Snyder and her husband Bruce of Green Forest. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Aaron (Nina) White, Brandon (Lindsey) White, Justin (Savannah) Snyder, Jerrit (Sammi) Snyder, and Kaileigh (Riley) Walker; 10 great grandchildren, Zechariah, Calvin, Triston, Dakota, Bentley, Peyton, Emory, Timothy, Richard, and Raeleigh; 3 sisters, Bessie, Linda, and Girdie (Judy); and 4 brothers, Lendle (Ray B), Garland (Ray W), Robert (Bob), and Billy Joe (Joe F).

She is preceded in death by her husband Marvin Connell, parents Walter and Elsie Keys, 1 sister, Sharon (Sherry), and 8 brothers, Kenneth, Leslie (Sam), Carl (Bill), Frank, James (Jack), Earl (Pete), Floyd (Punk), and Roy.

Visitation for Dessie will be from 10-11 AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Smith Family Funeral Home, with graveside service to follow at 11:30 AM at Auman Cemetery in Alpena, with Rev. Joe Summers officiating. The family would like to express their gratefulness to the staff of The Springs at Mt. Vista Nursing Home in Harrison and to the staff of Legacy Hospice in Harrison for their love, devotion and care for Dessie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Legacy Hospice of Harrison.