Bonnie Rutkowski
Edwardsville |
Bonnie Jean Rutkowski, 89 years young, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Barnes Hospital. Born on December 27, 1935, in Salisbury, Maryland, Bonnie was the beloved daughter of the late George McMichael Sr. and Edna (Butler) McMichael.
Bonnie’s life was a beautiful testament to love, strength and joy. She never knew a stranger and greeted everyone she met with a big smile. Growing up with five brothers and sisters, Bonnie loved to play basketball, visit the Ocean City Boardwalk, roller skate and dance.
In 1955, she married Stanley “Chalky” Rutkowski, whom she shared three incredible children with. They enjoyed 37 years together until Chalky’s passing in 1992.
With grace and dedication, Bonnie spent twenty-three years as the head cashier at Walgreens in Edwardsville. She was a proud, hardworking woman whose warm smile and friendly nature left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. Known as “Miss Walgreens” by community members, she was once recognized in a hotel elevator in Mexico!
Bonnie embraced life with enthusiasm and pure joy. She loved to dance, play cards (at home and the casino!), bowl, laugh, play bingo and drink margaritas. Some of her fondest memories were made during her cherished annual trips to Cancun with her family and friends — sun, sand, and love surrounding her always.
Bonnie was a faithful and devoted member of Praise Community Fellowship. She enjoyed worshipping with the choir and attending service with her family every Sunday.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Lynn Rutkowski; her son, Stanley Rutkowski Jr.; and her siblings: Delores Kirkover, Emma Teetor, Harry McMichael, George McMichael II, and Gary McMichael.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, light and hope carried on by her devoted daughter, Darlene (Edward) Rutkowski-Hanks of Edwardsville; her adored granddaughters, Amber Hanks (John Treacy) of Highland and Amy Hanks of Edwardsville; and her treasured great-grandson, Jack Treacy. She is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who were touched by her kindness and joy.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, Illinois, and again on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Praise Community Fellowship, 1000 University Drive, Edwardsville, IL.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with Pastor Kent Schuette officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her family at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Bonnie's spirit will forever dance in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Memorial donations may be made to Praise Community Fellowship. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
