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Bonnie Jean Russell, age 77, of rural Vicksburg, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at her home following a long illness. She was born in Three Rivers on February 7, 1948 the daughter of Westley and Louisa (Harriger) Copenhafer. Bonnie attended Vicksburg High School and was part of the 1966 graduating class. While she was working at the West Lake Drive-In, she would meet the love of her life, Stanley Russell, and the two of them would marry on December 4, 1965 in Kalamazoo. Bonnie and Stanley shared 51 wonderful years together until Stanley’s passing in 2017.
Bonnie was an artist at heart, creating wonderful pieces for display and retail. She was a skilled painter, jewelry maker, and woodworker. A hand-built doll house is often the topic of discussion, taking her years to perfect her masterpiece. All of Bonnie’s art pieces were often found at all the local craft shows. She loved tending to her Kennedy roses in her garden, making sure they were bright and vibrant for all to see. In her younger years, she was involved with 4-H with her mother, as part of the sewing club, a creative trait that stayed with her, her entire life. Bonnie loved to showcase her competitive side as well, competing in bowling leagues in Portage, MI. Her will to win also included board games with her family, creating some tense games of Scrabble (her children recently found Scrabble cheat sheets hidden in the coffee table……which explains how she won all the time….). Bonnie’s competitive nature also had every local woodchuck nervous, as her shot with a .22 is unmatched to this day. After *winning at Scrabble and protecting her land from rodents, she would enjoy some Beatles and Monkeys tunes. Above all else, the thing Bonnie cherished the most in life, was her family; especially her grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything.
Bonnie is survived by her two children; Keith (Connie) Russell and Terri Rutherford; five grandchildren; James (Ashley) Russell, Megan Russell, Wesley (Liz) Rutherford, Robert Rutherford, and Tamera (Jacob) Ellis; ten great-grandchildren; Adalynn, Kayden, Evalynn, Liliana, Allison, Owen, Gavin, Elias, Emma, Aurora, and one on the way; sister; Geraldine Fries; and several nieces, nephews, and extended families. She was preceded in passing by her parents; Westley and Louisa Copenhafer; two sisters; Eleanore Cooley and Arlene Miller; and her loving husband; Stanley Russell.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation is being conducted. Visitation for Bonnie will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11am to 12pm at the Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 W Main St, Mendon, MI 49072) with a memorial service beginning at 12:00. It is suggested that donations be made to either the American Heart Association or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice. Condolences and memories may be expressed to her family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
