Vera Marie Russell

Vera Marie Russell, age 96, of Otsego, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Vera was born in Kalamazoo on May 4, 1929, to Raymond and Bernice (Dhaenes) Chadderdon. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Lee Russell on December 26, 1947, and shared 60 loving years together until Kenneth’s passing in 2008.

Vera began her lifelong journey of caregiving as a candy striper at Borgess Hospital at age 16. She later worked at Pipp Community Hospital in Plainwell, eventually becoming a massage therapist in the physical therapy department, known for her “magic hands”. Even after retiring in 1994, she continued to help others through massage therapy.

She and Ken enjoyed traveling with friends and family, creating cherished memories through their many adventures. Vera found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; baking cookies, donuts, and sour cream twists, or cuddling up to watch Disney movies.

A devout Catholic, Vera was a lifelong member of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Otsego and volunteered extensively at the church, school, and Red Cross Blood Banks. She was known for her generosity, faith, and love for her family, especially her grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Vera is survived by her children: Donald L. (Patricia) Russell of Otsego, Shirley A. Kaleward of Okeechobee, FL, Bruce (Deborra) Russell of Otsego, and Richard R. Russell of Brohman, MI.; her beloved caregiver and “adopted daughter” Jackie S. Payne; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Margaret M. Ecker of Kalamazoo and Janet Chadderdon, SSJ of Nazareth, MI, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, three brothers and their wives, and two sisters and their husbands.

Friends may visit with Vera’s family on Tuesday, October 14th from 5:00- 8:00pm, with a rosary being offered at 7:00 pm. at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. Visitation will continue Wednesday at St. Ambrose Church in Kalamazoo beginning at 10:00 am until the time of funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.

Cremation will take place and burial of ashes will be held at St. Margaret Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Vera may be directed to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo or to Centrica Rose Arbor Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com