Michelle Renee Kellum Bonner

Michelle Renee Kellum Bonner went to be with the Lord on October 16, 2020.

Michelle was born on July 7, 1969 in Dallas, Oregon to Frank and Marlys Kellum. She was raised in a loving, Christian home with two sisters and a brother. Much time was also spent with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Family would be important to Michelle her whole life. 

Michelle attended schools in the Dallas School district. In 1986 she was voted Homecoming Queen at Dallas High School. She graduated from DHS in 1987. Throughout the years she remained in contact with several of her childhood friends. After high school, Michelle attended Northwest College and went on to work at State Farm, became a 911 operator, and worked for Regence Blue Cross.

On August 16, 2008 Michelle married the love of her life, Rodney Bonner. She and Rod loved to go to concerts, camping, and especially Oregon Ducks football games. They were members of the Oregon Duck Club. Many weekends were spent tailgating and attending games in Eugene with friends and family. Rod, always a devoted husband, was especially devoted in caring for Michelle through her battle with cancer. 

Michelle’s three brightest stars in life were her children; Cassidy, Spencer and Preston. She loved them fiercely and loved being a mom to them. She raised them to love Jesus, people, and taught them how to have fun in life. 

Michelle was a great cook, an avid reader, a Little House on the Prairie fan, and loved cats, chocolate chip cookies and sweet tea. She loved spending time with her family playing games, sharing a meal and making music together.  She had an incredible capacity to maintain friendships with many people and made each one feel special. She was also a music lover and had a beautiful singing voice. She was a soloist, but also sang duets and trios in church with her sisters when they were growing up. 

The most important thing in Michelle’s life was her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Michelle came to know Jesus at an early age. She attended Dallas Assembly of God for many years. Later she and Rod were active in a Home Group and Bible study groups at West Salem Foursquare Church. It was her sincere wish and prayer that each of her family members and all her friends would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Her sweet demeanor, unwavering faith in adversity, and love and acceptance of everyone inspired everyone she met. Michelle looked forward to heaven and seeing Jesus face to face and to be able to sing his praises once again.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Rod, children Cassidy (Brandon) Williams, Spencer Rivera, and Preston (Anna) Rivera. She is also survived by her parents Frank and Marlys Kellum, sister Terrie (Larry) Pursel, brother Don (Shawna) Kellum, and sister Kimberly (Justin) Moore, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.