Virginia Lee Russell
Early morning April 10, 2015 our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend went home to Jesus in her home with loved ones by her side. She was 93 years old. Virginia was born December 17, 1921 in Springfield Illinois, the second daughter of William E. and Sue G. (Easley) Dickerson. Virginia and her two sisters went to live at the Illinois Odd Fellows Children’s Home in Lincoln, Illinois in 1928 following her father’s sudden death. There were always fond memories of her life there, saying “the Sisters were always very kind”. Bill M. Williams married her mother, stating, “I got a wife, three daughters and it only cost me two dollars and they were family.
Virginia was preceded in death by husband George A. Russell; son, Joseph A. Russell, fathers, William Dickerson; Bill Williams, mother, Sue Williams; sisters, Mary E. “Leany” Anderson, Geraldine L. Jones and many others.
Virginia is survived by her son John M. (Nola) Russell; daughter, Betty S. (John) Brewer; daughter-in-law, Merry A. Russell; grandchildren, Carissa A. (Tim) Spurzem, Alisha M. (Jeff) Tamblyn, Jacob (Jennifer) Russell, Jason (Niki) Russell, Great Grandchildren, Morgan M. Spurzem, Audree P. Spurzem, Clara A. Tamblyn, Everett D. Tamblyn; nephew, James (Karen) Anderson and numerous great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews.
Mom went to school through 7th grade at the Children’s Home and graduated from Rittner High School in St. Louis. She met George A. Russell January 14, 1945 on a blind date with friends. They went to a movie and she told her Mom and Pop that she liked him and thought he was a pretty nice guy. Two months later on March 14, 1945 they were married in a small ceremony at 2:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan. Attendants were Lloyd “Froggie” Beltz, his girlfriend, Byrdie Russell (George’s mother) and Sue Williams (Virginia’s mother). After the ceremony they put both mothers on the train as George was in the Navy and had to leave shortly following their marriage. Mom set up their new apartment and began married life with her only love.
George and Virginia had three children, Joseph Alexander, John Malcolm and Betty Sue. Virginia was the best wife and mother who dedicated her whole life to her family whom she loved with all her heart. Her son John expressed what a wonderful mother she was by this statement. “Mom loved unconditionally, always had a smile with a twinkle of mischief in her eye. She made the best banana and zucchini bread, loved crocheting, Wii bowling, reading, line dancing (which she took up at age 82) and reading her daily newspaper. To anyone that had not met her it was their loss. To those that had, it was their treasure.” Her faith was strong and remained solid throughout her life. Her love for Jesus was never ending.
A special thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice (Jenny, Wendy, Brenda, Chaplain Steve, Louis, Robbie, Edie, Linda, Lynn, Dorothy, Kathie and please forgive me if I missed anyone. You are all angels on earth and our mother and us loved each and every one of you), family, friends and all who prayed us through her journey to heaven. Our family is eternally grateful to you all.
A viewing hour will begin at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015 with funeral service to be held at 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway St. A meal and time for sharing memories of Virginia’s life will be held in the social center of the church immediately following the service. A graveside burial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Memorials in Virginia’s name are suggested to Rocky Mountain Hospice of Helena, Disabled American Veterans or an organization or charity of the donor’s choice. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Virginia please visit below.
Mom, you will forever be in our hearts, souls and minds. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 18, 2015
First Lutheran Church
2231 E. Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
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Todd & Tina says
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you and the family. We love you!
Love, Todd & Tina
Crystal says
I never had the privilege of meeting Virginia but Betty spoke of her adventures like Wii bowling regularly. My thoughts are with your family as you comfort one another in this time of loss.
Love, Crystal & family
Colleen Tamblyn says
One of my very recent memories, while Virginia was visiting Butte, was observing her writing in her journal. I was thinking at the time how fun it would be to know her story! I loved her laugh and delightful smile. It was an honor to know her…she will be missed!
Betty Brewer says
Mom I miss you so much already, but I know that you lived a very long and vibrant life. I pray that I am able to live the rest of my life with the dignity that you did your whole life. You will always be in my heart and mind and you will live on through me forever.
Thank you to all for your beautiful words, thoughts and prayers – Mom is smiling down on all of us right now and she will forever. I thank God forgiving me the privilege of having a beautiful caring and wonderful Mother for all my life. I am the one who has been totally blessed and honored to be her daughter. I love you always and forever and ever and a day!
Your baby daughter