Bonnie Jean Gruell

Bonnie Jean Gruell (nee Brown) of 913 Albert St. Moose Jaw, was born May 5th, 1944. Mom passed away peacefully from her courageous lung cancer battle, with daughter Katherine at her bedside on May 9th, 2024 at the accomplished age of 80 at Pioneer Lodge. She was born the 10th child of a baker’s dozen (13) to Malcolm (Scotty)MacKinnon and Edith Brown nee Ward. Bonnie met Hubby, Earl Gruell while bowling. They were married September 26, 1969 and instantly her family nearly doubled as Earl was the 8th child of 9!

Bonnie’s passions were her Scottish heritage, family, pets, music, dancing, crafts, bingo, cooking, baking, gardening, writing poetry, colouring, and was a Tri-Chem instructor. Special quilts were made for family or raffled for Autism, the Legion, or other causes. These treasures were hand painted and sewn by Bonnie and her guild of helpers. Fond memories are recalled by her children, as she had taught their classes to make bread dough roses for Mother’s Day. She continued the tradition by teaching her granddaughter’s Kindergarten class to make Christmas Wreaths. Teachers were astounded at her organization and teaching skills. They were amazed she could get 28 students to complete beautifully finished projects.

She was a member of Ladies’ Auxiliary, and Salvation Army Church. She taught us how to love till it hurts, care with action, and give without hesitation. She bestowed upon us the importance of being non-judgemental, especially to those who are down on their luck. Bonnie was praised by many to be the cheerleader of the underdog!

Bonnie is reunited with her parents Malcolm MacKinnon and Edith Brown (nee Ward), son Brian Thomas Brown Gruell, granddaughter Chelsea Peterson (daughter of Kenneth and Lorelei); siblings Muriel Hallett, Ruth Kober (Eddie), Gord (Ellen) Brown, Walter (Beverley) Brown, Brother-in-law Vern Ritchie. On Earl’s side, she is together with his parents Nick and Doris Gruell (nee Koropatniski), brother-in-law John (Evelyn) Gruell, sisters-in-law’ Nettie Gould, Rose Kaye, and Isabel/Elizabeth DuSomme, and Jean Scott.

She is survived in eternal memory by her loving husband, Earl Gruell; daughter Katherine Deak (Levente) and their children Levana and Kaleb; and son Kenneth Gruell (Lorelei nee Peterson) and their son Nicholas Gruell (Krystal nee Emes) and their 3 children Riley, Avery and Rowan. Her lasting legacy: 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings Elsie (Ivan) McNeilly, Mary Ritchie, Malcolm/Mic (Lynne) Brown, Colin (Grace) Brown, James/Jim Brown, Rodney (Bonnie Lea) Brown, Heather (David) McMillan, and Ronald/Buck Brown (Cheryl Hanna). She is survived by Earl’s siblings George (Betty) Gruell, Dan (Jackie) Gruell, and Elaine (Stan) Willetts as well as the multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins from all the branches of the Brown/Ward and Gruell clans. Bonnie had many special life-long friends and adopted children she took under her wing as she welcomed even more into the family! Little ladies with an eternal bond: sister-in-law Patti, Erna, Bernie, Eldeen,Lydia and Peggy.

Special thanks to Dr. Kubba, Dr Coleman, and Dr Bortolotti and all the staff at F. H. Wigmore and Regina General Hospitals; Special Care Home and Pioneer Lodge. Many staff considered her one of their own family. A Memorial service and luncheon will be held at the Salvation Army Church Hall, 2 Wintergreen Drive, Moose Jaw, SK, on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 2 p.m., immediately followed by interment at Rosedale Cemetery where Bonnie Jean will be laid to rest with her son Brian Thomas. 

Donations in Bonnie’s name may be made to the Cancer Foundation, Autism Resource Center, or the Recreation Department of a Long-Term Care facility. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550