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Obituary for Russell Bonner
Russell Bonner died peacefully and unexpectedly in his home in Vacaville on March 10, 2018 at the age of 79. Russell is survived by his wife, Rosalea; his children, Karen Bonner, Janet West, and Michael Bonner; his grandson, Alexander West; his great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Elijah, and Josiah; and his siblings Kay Karle and Don Bonner, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Burnis and Irene Bonner; and his brother Ron Bonner. Russell was born in Selma, California on August 2, 1938 to Burnis Bonner and Irene Starner Bonner. He graduated from Selma High School in 1956 and joined the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. On August 8, 1959, he married Rosalea Terry after they had met through church. Together they raised three children and thirteen foster children. Russell earned his living in retail management while moving his family throughout the southwestern United States and California. For a short time he worked in the family excavation business with his father and his brothers. He retired in 2000 from the State of California after completing his career working within the California Department of Corrections. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Russell enjoyed gardening in his backyard, reading novels, playing computer solitaire and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He recently under went cataract extraction and was fascinated with the clarity of his vision without glasses that he had worn his entire life. He took great pleasure in caring for the various dogs he and Rosalea had rescued. He served as a volunteer in the first-grade classroom of his daughter teaching in Chowchilla. Russell was a spiritual man and involved in many church activities. He taught bible class for many years, led singing, and filled in occasionally in the pulpit when the preacher was not available. A celebration of life service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 17 at the Church of Christ, 1500 Alamo Drive, Vacaville. Ed Sanderson will officiate. A viewing is scheduled March 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at McCune’s Garden Chapel, 212 Main St, Vacaville.
