Rosemary Russell, 105, went to be with Jesus Wednesday, June 4, 2025 after having lived a remarkable life.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Village.
The graveside service will be Monday, June 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Matteson Cemetery in Bronson with Pastor Frank Queen officiating.
Born on February 23, 1920, in Bronson, MI, she graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1942, and arrived in Khartoum, Sudan in 1944, serving as a missionary with Sudan Interior Mission. The journey to Sudan took three months and involved sailing on the first ship toward the end of World War II allowed to cross the Atlantic with civilians, then by the boat, river steamer, train, canoe, bus, and car.
For the next 13 years she helped develop a written language for the Udak people group, taught school and managed an orphanage for twin babies abandoned by their families.
She returned to Michigan in 1957 when her father died, stayed to take care of her mother, earned her Bachelor and Master degrees in teaching, and taught grade school.
In 1972, she returned to missions in Africa, but as the Sudan was now closed to missions, she went to Kenya with the Africa Inland Mission. She spent 18 years in Kenya, retiring in 1990 at the age of 70. Returning to Bronson, MI, she was active in church and a care giver for a dear friend.
Rosemary moved into Friendship Village in Kalamazoo in 2001 at the age of 81, in part to be near her sister, Louise. She was involved in many activities such as a Bible study leader, editor of the monthly newsletter, helping in the store, mail delivery, playing her euphonium at special events, line dancing, coordinating movie nights, knitting caps for babies etc.
Rosemary’s heart was to share the love of Jesus with all she encountered. She is survived by her nieces, nephew, and many great nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to Snow Prairie Bible Church.
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