AFBF convention mourns passing of Bonnie Duvall

AUSTIN, Texas — The annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation was tinged with sadness as members and leaders of the AFBF mourned the passing of Bonnie Duvall, the wife of AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

Bonnie Duvall died at home on Jan. 18 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

“Our hearts are heavy for our good friend and for your president, Zippy Duvall, in losing Bonnie. You know what a pair they were and just fighters to the end,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in his address to introduce President Donald Trump.

The president also expressed his sympathy to the Duvall family.

“I want to take a moment to send our love and support to the president of the American Farm Bureau, a great guy, Zippy Duvall. Sadly, Zippy’s wife, a tremendous woman, married for 40 years, Bonnie, passed away last night,” said the president, who spoke to the AFBF members on Jan. 20.

“We want Zippy and his entire family to know that we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. It was a very special relationship, and I just want to wish the family well. Zippy, we are with you 100%,” Trump said.

Scott VanderWal, AFBF vice president, chaired the annual meeting and expressed the AFBF’s sympathies.

“Zippy and Bonnie were partners in every respect for all of their 40 years together. She put her business degree to work keeping the books on their Georgia farm, enabling Zippy to turn his attention to serving his fellow farmers at the county, state and national levels,” VanderWal said.

“At moments like this our faith consoles us, knowing her soul is at peace, having gone on to our heavenly Father. We will forever be inspired by her sense of humor, love of farming and optimism in the face of adversity. She taught us all what it means to make every moment count,” he said.

Bonnie Duvall is survived by her husband; their children, Lt. Col. Vincent (Erin) Duvall, Cora (Jared) Terry, Zeb (Katie) Duvall and Zellie Duvall; and five grandchildren.