Eleanore E. Putzel Russ, 102, of East Helena passed away Jan. 11, 2014. Eleanore was born Feb. 4, 1911 at Washoe, Montana to John and Fanny (Bojc) Putzel. Three years later, the family moved to a dairy farm in Greenwood, Wisconsin where Eleanore played and worked with her three sisters and one brother. After graduating from high school, Eleanore moved to Chicago in 1933 where she worked at the Chicago’s World Fair until moving to East Helena to help care for her ill cousin. In 1936, she met and married Frank Russ, a young man that played a button box accordion. To quote Eleanore, “He stole my heart away.” Eleanore and Frank had one son, Robert, born in 1938. Eleanore worked for F. W. Woolworth Co., J. C. Penney, and upon completion of a stenographic course at the Helena Business College, worked for the State of Montana Unemployment Compensation Commission from 1950 until 1974.
When Eleanore was 50 years old, she got her drivers license and continued driving until age 92. Eleanore enjoyed bowling, traveling by train, gardening, and her many friends in East Helena. She was known for her beautiful flowers especially the Sweet Peas she grew every year. Eleanore also enjoyed attending polka parties and listening to her son play the accordion. Eleanore will be remembered as a fun loving person with a quick wit and caring personality. When asked her secret of longevity at her 100th birthday party, Eleanore shared “I don’t drink alcoholic drinks, don’t smoke and don’t gamble.” Eleanore was a member of St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena.
Eleanore is survived by her son Robert (Donna McDuffie-Russ) of Helena as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. Eleanore was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank Russ in 1986; sisters Bertha (Earl) Holt, Frieda (Joe) Hoeser, and Lucee (Eugene) Ianke and brother L. Earle Putzel.
A vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 17. Mass is scheduled for Saturday 1 p.m. at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church followed by burial at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. The family would like to thank Shelby Cleveland and her exceptional staff at the Shelby House where Eleanore resided the past nine years. Eleanore lived a long life and will be sorely missed.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Kevin Hatcher says
Bob,
Your mother was truely one of the sweetest people to ever walk on this planet. Knowing her was a real blessing. Her light, that was extinguished here on Earth, has made heaven so much brighter.
Glen Cuchine says
Mrs. Russ was one of East Helena’s Grandest Ladies; I have many pleasant memories of seeing her about town and interactions with her when I waited on her at East Helena IGA. East Helena will be a be diminished by this loss and heaven will be all the better. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bob and Donna and all your family.
Jay Reardon says
Bob Sorry to here about your Mom.I always enjoyed my visits with her when we were neighbors. Another great loss for East Helena. I will traveling out of town this weekend and won’t be able to attend the services, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jay Reardon