Auburna Ruth Bonnell

Auburna Ruth Bonnell, age 91, affectionately known as "Burnie" passed away peacefully on July 20, 2013 at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Born in Traverse City, MI, she attended Alma College and Michigan State University. Upon graduation, she taught home economics at Suttons Bay and then in Mt. Pleasant. It was in Mt. Pleasant where she met and married Edward James Bonnell Jr.; raised four childen, and owned and managed Bonnell's Superior Furniture. They were active in The First United Methodist Church and the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship. Burnie enjoyed art, painting, writing, and readng. She participated in Mt. Pleasant's Art Reach program and was a featured columnist for the Morning Sun Newspaper. After retiring, she and Ed spent summers in Michigan and winters in Vero Beach, FL. They also enjoyed their summer cottage on Higgins Lake. Later in life Burnie settled at Prestige Centre assisted living where she continued her life interests. Auburna is survived by her children, James (Kay) Bonnell, Mt. Pleasant, MI; Helen Maienknecht, Bowling Green, OH; Bruce Bonnell, Portland, OR; and Jean Bonnell Abraham, Indialantic, FL; two sisters, Margaret Arnold Nash, Harriet Niemeyer, and brother, Clayton (Marie) Arnold. Five grandchildren, Peter and Brian Maienknecht, Dana Bonnell, Troy Abraham and Spencer Bonnell; two great grandchildren, Amaya and Torrey Maienknecht as well as many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Contributions may be sent to Prestige Centre, First United Methodist Church or Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Mt. Pleasant.