Maylene J. "Rusty" (Robbins) Bonnell

Maylene Janet “Rusty” (Robbins) Bonnell, 88, of Battle Creek, Michigan (MI) and part-time resident of San Benito, Texas (TX) passed gently in her sleep on January 18, 2026.

Rusty was born January 9, 1938, in Battle Creek, the youngest child and daughter of Richard Ross Robbins and Genevieve “Jane” (Kleinfeldt) Robbins. Rusty was employed at the Kellogg Company in the Packing and Quality Control Department for 20 years, retiring in 1993. She also sold Avon and Mary Kay Beauty products.

Rusty was united in marriage to Gary George Bonnell in Kellogg Forest on August 7, 1987. Surviving are her beloved husband, Gary (also affectionately known as “her pal”) and her fun and loving “blended family” with daughters, Michelle “Shelli” Burton of Phoenix, Arizona (AZ), Maylani “Lani” (Gordy) Watson of Battle Creek; step children, Michelle “Shelly” Burrett of East Leroy, Donald “Don” (April) Bonnell of Battle Creek and Patricia “Pat” Lazaroff of Denison, TX as well as ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Rusty was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the church choir. During high school she was a member of the Battle Creek Central A Capella Choir, directed by Giff Richards. She was also a majorette in Central’s band. One summer, she sang with the Congregation Church Choir. Rusty raised Great Danes and was a member of the Battle Creek Kennel Club. She and Gary delighted in traveling and were members of JAYCO Flight #33 and JAFARI R.V. Travel Clubs. Rusty was a masterful cake decorator who also adored baking, canning (oh, her applesauce!) and gardening. At Sunrise Services and Fish Frys she enjoyed cooking and serving those in attendance. She and Gary made many trips to winter in AZ and TX. All in all, Rusty’s family was abundant, never a dull moment, full of laughter (and good stories)!

Service officiated by Pastor Larry Gorlitz will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 349 Capital Ave. N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Friends are welcome to come an hour prior to services. A Celebration of Rusty’s Life will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association

(Phone: 1-800-272-3900 or see Website https://www.alz.org for more information).

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.