Bonnie Jean Richardson

Bonnie Jean Richardson, 84, of Paw Paw passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

She was born on August 20, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Douglas and Sarah (Sigler) Essig.

Bonnie was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw where she served in multiple ways for many years. She loved working with children and served as a Sunday School teacher and director/teacher of many Vacation Bible Schools. Serving many years as the director of the Week Day School meal program for students in grades 4-8, she also planned luncheons for confirmation students. In 1985, Bonnie was instrumental in the development of TLC Preschool where she served as an assistant to her lifelong friend, Deanna Hindenach. Miss Bonnie loved creating art projects for the preschoolers which included creating unique handmade Valentines Day cards for the children. Both Bonnie and Deanna are credited for helping other Lutheran Churches throughout Michigan begin preschool programs patterned after Trinity’s early childhood program. Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to Me”, became the ministry and mission of their work together for many years. In 1992, they both helped initiate the development of a kindergarten, which was followed by the addition of a new grade each year. In 1998, faced with providing space for the growing school population, the preschool and school moved into a new school building which was an answered prayer.

Bonnie also served Trinity’s congregation in other ways, including helping with serving meals to senior citizens and serving in many capacities with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, church bazaars, church anniversary celebrations, and mission projects.

Serving her community was also important to Bonnie where she volunteered with 4-H and enjoyed helping children get projects ready for the Van Buren County Fair. She also served on the Paw Paw High School’s Alumni Board for many years.

On June 6, 1964, she married David L. Richardson, who still survives. She loved being married to a Paw Paw Volunteer Firefighter, and enjoyed participating in all their family-oriented events, especially playing waterball with them! Eventually, grandsons Kyle and Tyler joined the department with Kyle serving as Chief. Bonnie also loved playing cards with friends, Mary Ann Douglas, Debby Adams, and Judy Toth and was so grateful for their enduring help and friendship. She also started a Bunco Club that still continues to play today.

She is also survived by her children, Kirk (Tami) Richardson, Steve (Stephanie) Richardson, and Christine Richardson; grandchildren, Kyle Richardson, Tyler Richardson, Spencer Richardson, Stuart Richardson, and Samantha Richardson, and brothers Ronnie Dean Essig (Bonnie’s twin), and Clifford Essig. Bonnie always held her family first in her life and in her heart.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Douglas Essig Jr.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw, A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 10 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, in Paw Paw, with Rev. Ronald Moritz officiating. Immediately following the service, Bonnie will be laid to rest at Cuddeback Cemetery.

The family requests that all memorials go to Trinity Lutheran School in Paw Paw where Bonnie served with love and devotion for many years.