Bonnie Russell, 88, of New Galilee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 19, 2022 under the gentle care of Hospice in the Heritage Valley Beaver Medical Center and in the presence of many family members. Bonnie was the matriarch of a large family and was well loved and respected by many. She was born on April 20, 1934 in New Brighton to the late Dixie and Rose Harter Fox.
Bonnie was a member of the New Brighton High School class of 1952. She met her husband George at a local dance hall and the two were married in December of 1954. They then moved to New Galilee and there, attended the New Galilee Church of the Nazarene, and worked to establish a long life together.
Bonnie spent the early part of her career and married life working at Ingram-Richardson Manufacturing Co. of Beaver Falls, better knows locally as Ing-Rich. She stopped her career to devote time to raising her family, but soon took up work as a delivery person and eventual chocolatier at Uslenghi Candies. She spent the remaining 30 years working alongside her daughter, Tammy, and numerous other family members baking and making chocolates at Tammy’s Bakery & Candies.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, George Russell. She is survived by7 Children; George Jr. and Joy Russell, Doug and Karen Russell, Bern and Kim Russell, Todd and Cheryl Russell, Kurt and Tami Russell, Tammy and Ron Boxen, and Randy Russell; 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; She is also survived by her sister, Barbara June Grant.
Bonnie has left behind a large family and great legacy. She never hesitated to drop her cookie dough or stop the chocolate machine to be a prayer warrior for those in need. Her hospitality was as well known as her willingness to work hard at whatever crossed her path.
Visitation will be held on Monday May 23, 2022 from 3:00 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 pm with her grandson Rev. Andy Russell officiating at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum. Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery.
Please join the family in a celebration of Bonnie’s life at the New Galilee Community Event Center on Tuesday May 24, at 12:00 pm.
Online Condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Bonnie is my mother in law. She is the strongest, kindest, generous hard working woman I know. She loved God and Jesus. Anyone who met her would know immediately what being a good Christian looks like. I felt immediately at home the first time I met her, she had that kind of charisma. I have no doubt she is on the hospitality committee in Heaven, making sure everyone at God’s table is comfortable with plenty to eat and drink! She loved to laugh and dance and serve others. She always had a listening war but would also offer sensible advice when needed. My life was definitely enriched after becoming a part of her family! Thank you Energizer Bonnie for being the best mil a girl could have! Until we meet again, I love you!