Norma Elaine Russell

Norma Elaine Russell (Aernie), 90, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by loving family and her best friend.

Norma was born November 9, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Wayne Patchett and Dorothy (Drake) Patchett.

Norma grew up in Portage, Michigan, and married Raymond C. Aernie on March 12, 1955. Together, they made their family home in Lawton, Michigan where they raised their children. As a mother of six, Norma was always busy - cooking, organizing, supporting, and keeping her lively household running with patience and love. Her home was a place of laughter and tears, and steady guidance.

After Raymond’s passing in 1987, Norma was left to manage the household and raise her two youngest daughters on her own which she did with determination and grace. After her children were grown, Norma embraced a new chapter in life. She loved to travel and was always ready for a vacation, especially when it meant time with her best friend Sharon or her sister Judy. These trips brought her joy, relaxation, and treasured memories.

In 2005, Norma found companionship when she married a long-time family friend, Ronald Russell. They enjoyed many years together before Ronald’s passing in December 2024.

Norma was a faithful member of the Paw Paw Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she dedicated over 74 years sharing the promises of God’s Kingdom with others. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and steadfast faith was an amazing example to all who knew her.

Norma is survived by her six children, Greg (Sandy) Aernie, Michael Aernie, Mark (Louisa) Aernie, Lisa Harden, Amy (Tony Gleason) Aernie and Gina (Robert) Cheek; grandchildren, Dana Barker, Laura (Dustin) Nehls, Nate Harden (Mary Bush), Alayna (Marcus) Christie, Brittany Boyd, Christian Aernie, Madison (Alec) Padilla, Carson Aernie, Gabrielle (Emilio Reyna) DeAnda and Madilyne (David) Roberts. Norma also is survived by 8 great-grandchildren.

Norma was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Wayne Patchett, Dave Patchett and Julia Dickmon.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 60755 M-40 Highway, Paw Paw, MI 49079.