Russell was born on October 29, 1923 in Glaston, Montana to Carl F. and Mary Cross. The family moved to Helena when he was 5 where he attended school, played sports and worked many jobs before joining the Navy in November 1942. He served on the USS Gambier Bay carrier, was stationed in California, Hawaii and Guam as well as many other military bases. During his service he continued his love of sports by playing softball and basketball. While stationed in Alameda, CA, he met Elizabeth Harrigfeld and they married June 26, 1949. He reenlisted as a reserve in the Navy and they made their home in Bozeman, Montana where Russell attended Montana State College. He was later called to active duty and they made their home on Guam. Upon his discharge, they moved back and forth between California and Montana where their two daughters were born; eventually settling in San Lorenzo, California where he enjoyed a 35 year career with the California Department of Highways. Upon the death of Elizabeth in 1993, he returned to his much-loved Montana where he continued his passion for sports – golfing, fishing and as a spectator for his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three older brothers, Charles, Kenny and Bill and sister, Mildred. He will be missed by his two daughters: Mary Cross and her family: Sarah and Scott Seeley, Allison and Jonathon Roades, Hannah, Noel, Carson and Zoey English; and Deb Larson (Steve) and their family: Laurie, Kyle and Gracie. He is also survived by his sister: Marlene Gleason and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be buried in the family plot at Forestvale Cemetery with military honors. Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at The Legacy for the last three years of care and support. We would also like to thank the amazing nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Russell.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Candy Lyman says
Some of my fondest memories of Uncle Russell where when he and I would sit and visit, on Grandma Cross’ s front steps at her house on Prospect Ave when I was very little girl. He always had a way about him to make you feel special.
I still remember the summers when Uncle Russell came out to go fishing and spending his time telling stories about our family. I learned a lot – lol
Later when I had a visit with him at The Legacy, although hard of hearing and sight he was still a good story teller.
He will be missed by many.
Joni Chenoweth says
I had the great pleasure of living next door to Russ on Briarwood Lane. He was a gem. I would hear him out snowblowing my sidewalks early winter mornings. In the spring, he would watch for me to come home and offer me freshly caught trout. We shared many conversations sitting in his open garage each summer. He was a terrific neighbor, and an even better human being. Everyone should be so fortunate once in their lives to have a neighbor as kind and giving as Russ.
David Rusoff says
My wife and I met Russ after he moved into our neighborhood on Briarwood Lane in about 1994. We often visited with him there and later often visited with him at The Legacy. At some point in his last few years in the neighborhood, we figured out that we both used to play cribbage. He retaught me how to play the game, mainly through me watching him beat me, and we enjoyed many games at his house and later at The Legacy. Eventually, I got to where I could win a few games, but he always was the better player by far, even in his mid-90s. Russ was a great friend. Although, he never bragged about his military service during WWII and the Korean War or even talked about it or surviving the Great Depression to me unless asked, he truly represented the greatest generation. I will always greatly miss his friendship and kindness and his stories about growing up in Helena and Hunters Gulch, our visits in his garage in the summer, and our cribbage games.
Mariann Wenstrom says
My heart goes out to my cousins and their families. I know how much I love and miss my Dad, his brother , and Uncle Russ was such a very special person. He always took time to stop and visit with me at my home out by Lake Helena. We spent many hours talking about family and our history. He had such a ready laugh, always that warm hug, and stories I’ll always treasure. My oldest and fondest memory of him was when I was still a small girl who came to
Gram Cross’ house with my Mom to show her my new white coat and muff. Uncle Russell was home for Christmas, saw me in it, picked me up, whirled me around then sat me on top of her washer like I was a queen. He laughed that wonderful laugh and called me “La Tour La Moore”. I still don’t know if that was a real name but he always made me feel like a queen in his heart. I will miss him until we meet again.