Ruth Russell

Ruth C. Russell, 82, of Topeka, died Monday, March 10, 2008 at Midland Hospice House.

Born on January 23, 1926 in Hamilton, Kansas to Tom and May Erwin, Ruth graduated in 1943 from Junction City High School, where she loved playing the clarinet in the marching band.

Ruth then worked as a secretary to the Chief of Surgery at Fort Riley, Kansas during World War II.

Ruth volunteered for many, many years at the American Cancer Society in both Topeka and Columbia, Missouri, where she lived for more than two decades.

She was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church in Topeka.

Beloved mother of Dave (Maria) Russell, Kyle Russell, dearest grandmother of Ashleigh (Alec) Turner, Kate (Steve) Irving and DJ Russell, dear great grandmother of Bobby Irving and Ariella Turner, dear sister of Jean Beeler and Maxine George, dear sister in law, aunt, cousin and friend.

Visitation will be at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 S. W. 10th Avenue, Topeka, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2008 followed by funeral services at 3:00 p.m. Ruth will be interred in Valley View Memorial Gardens, Manhattan, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please make expressions of sympathy in memory of Ruth to the American Cancer Society, 1315 S.W. Arrowhead Road, Topeka, Kansas 66604.