Bonnie Elizabeth Hammel (Ireland)

Bonnie Elizabeth Hammel (Ireland) passed away on August 4, 2026, in Petersburg, Virginia, with loving family members by her side.

Bonnie was born on October 4, 1934, in Franklin, Ohio. She was the oldest of four siblings who grew up in the suburbs of Urbana and Hamilton and attended the Methodist church.

Bonnie was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and pet owner. She was a co-owner of the family business, R&H Systems, in Petersburg, VA. Outside of work, she was Mom, Grandma, Aunt Bonnie, and "GG".

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Ralph Ireland and Ruby Neal Ireland; her husband, Russell Hammel; her siblings, Barbara Ireland, Neil Ireland, and Carl Steven Ireland; and her son, Randy Hammel. She is survived by her son, Bryan Hammel; her daughter-in-law, Roberta Hammel; her grandchildren, Kellie Holmes (Scott Holmes), Julie Aponte (Robert Aponte), and Bryan Scott Hammel (Carrie Hammel); and six great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by the many nieces and nephews with whom she shared special relationships.

Bonnie married Russell Arthur Hammel on November 5, 1954. The two built a life and a family together, first in Ohio and later in Virginia. Wherever she was, Bonnie cherished quality time with her family. She spent years supporting the family business alongside Russell and their boys, Randy and Bryan. Her home was a dependable safe haven in the hard times and warm and full of laughter in the good times. Bonnie hosted cozy country Christmases down by the river, where you could always count on cheery decorations, lively four-legged friends, and warm German potato salad.

She delighted in sharing her annual Virginia Beach and Duck Beach vacations with friends and family. Outside of the beach, her most frequent travel destination was the occasional return visit to Ohio for a wedding or the annual family reunion. She spent her final days lovingly cared for by Miss Brenda Pierce, alongside Bryan and Roberta Hammel, in their home overlooking the James River. Bonnie loved her friends and family well, and that love will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

A funeral service for Bonnie will be held at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A Graveside Service will take place at Claremont Cemetery on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at Bryan's house after the services are concluded, all are welcome to attend.