- Date Of Birth: January 9, 1925
- Date Of Death: May 19, 2023
- State: Montana
Bonnie Joyce Russell passed away peacefully on May 19, 2023 at the Sweet Home in Chinook, MT, following a gallant battle with Alzheimer’s.
Bonnie, the eldest of 3 children, was born in Savage, MT on January 9, 1925, to Andrew S. and Kathryn Marie Kappel. She attended school in Savage until the family moved to Sidney, MT where she graduated from high school. She enrolled at Northern Montana College in Havre, graduating with a degree in education. Bonnie taught in multi-grade country schools near Sidney prior to accepting a teaching position in Chinook, MT. It was there she met her husband Wallace “Bud” Russell, and the couple eventually made Harlem their home.
Aside from the busy life in caring for their seven children, Bonnie miraculously found time to share her skills and talents with others. While essentially confined to home with young children, Bonnie masterfully completed sewing alterations and clothing items, including numerous gowns, for community members. She dedicated many years as a 4-H leader, was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, held numerous offices as a charter member of the Busy XX home demonstration club, held local, district, and state offices of VFW Auxilliary, and was a member of the Nimble Thimble quilt guild.
Upon retiring, Bonnie spent countless hours at her favorite pastime – sewing.
Remembering her love, ready smile, laughter, sour cream cookies, and homemade bread, Bonnie is survived by her children Peggy (Alan) Azure, Kay (Jerry) Schmitt, Yoyo (Kermit) Johnson, Rogene Halver, Gary Russell, Shelley Russell, 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, sister Barbara Armstrong, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband of 76 years and son Greg, as well as her parents and brother Jack.
