Bonnie L (Wedel) Russell

Bonnie Lynne (Wedel) Russell, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away Sunday, October 18, with family at her side. The family will greet friends on Sunday, November 15, 2020, 2:00-5:00 PM and the service will be held on Monday, November 16th, 2020, 11:00 AM at the County Christian Evangelical Free Church in Scotts. Everyone that knew Bonnie, loved her. She loved people and enjoyed life with her positive outlook on almost everything. If something fun was happening, Bonnie was there, making friends with everyone she met. Bonnie was born to George & Joyce (Christensen) Wedel on May 29, 1969, in Kalamazoo. When she was 1 year old, the family moved to Scotts, Michigan, where she grew up with her sister Terrie and brother Andy. Their little farm grew by adding dogs, goats, a pony and even a donkey. But Bonnie really wanted a horse. It took years of convincing, but she finally got the first of her horses and kept her dad fixing fences for the next dozen years! Bonnie loved music. She was in the marching band at Climax-Scotts high school playing the flute. Her talent was later used at Country Christian Evangelical Free Church, where she was a member of the Praise band. She loved to go to Christian concerts with friends, making sure she had the best view of the drummer on stage. She then taught herself to play the drums so that the Praise band could have that needed addition. What everyone knew about Bonnie was that she was a Designer Extraordinaire. She managed the Flower Shop at Wedel’s Garden Center and had a flair for making unique, beautiful flower arrangements. Wedel’s garden expos had that classy glamour for the last 24 years because of Bonnie’s talent. She loved her job, often putting the needs of Wedel’s and her floral team before her own. This flair was apparent whenever you saw Bonnie. Her knack for decorating and beauty showed in her home as well as how she dressed. It was a rare day to see Bonnie without her nails, hair, jewelry and clothes “just so”. Bonnie loved the Lord, her politics, small business and being an American. Bonnie was a loyal member of the Republican party for 20 years, helping local, state and national candidates win. A highlight for her was going to the 2016 National Republican Convention where she made many lasting friendships. She supported her beloved Detroit Tigers no matter how well they were doing. Another highlight was going to the winning game of the 1984 World Series. She loved travelling – she & Rich were engaged at Little Sable Lighthouse near Silver Lake, in Northern Michigan on October 26, 2018 – and enjoyed travelling to Mexico, Kentucky, Las Vegas & Chicago with him. She enjoyed being mom to Rich’s kids Bryan, Matt & Nicole and grandma to their children. Bonnie leaves behind her beloved husband, Rich Russell, and his parents Bill & Ruth Russell and Bill & Kathy Runkle. Siblings left behind are Terrie (Dana) Schwartz and Andrew (Danielle) Wedel. Also, her special niece Andrea (Gary) Truax, and nephews Nathan (Lindsey) Schwartz, Nicholas Schwartz, Zachariah Wedel, Caleb Wedel, and Eli Wedel as well as grand nieces & nephews Dylan, Jackson, Alaina & Callen Truax and Stella Schwartz. While at Bonnie’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com please take time to read her full obituary, and also sign the guestbook by lighting candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and/or Country Christian Evangelical Free Church. The Russell family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 269-649-1697.