Obituary of Ellen R. Russell

Warrensburg: Ellen R. Russell, 90, of Main St., passed away into the arms of the Lord, Sunday, November 16, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her children, following a long illness. Born September 29, 1924 in Speculator, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Gertrude (Lamphear) Yennard. Ellen babysat and cleaned houses for many families in the area before starting a family of her own. On October 14, 1945 she married Clarence B. Russell; together the couple raised ten children. She was an incredible, hard working, Adirondack lady who worked in the woods and hayfields, to help provide for her family, alongside her sons, as her husband was unable to do so due to his declining health. She was a caring soul who enjoyed her babies, flowers, gardens, and animals. In recent years, Ellen could be found spending time outside with her friends and family, relaxing on her porch; she was a loving mother, gramma, great-gramma, and great-great gramma, who will be sorely missed by all of those who knew and loved her. Besides her parents, Ellen was predeceased by her beloved husband of 30 years, sixteen siblings, four children, Dorothy (Russell) Morehouse, Howard Russell, Juanita Russell, and Dennis Russell, and three grandchildren, Tonya, Ted Jr., and Jimmy Jr. She is survived by four sons, Robert Russell & his wife, Irma, of Sodom, Ted Russell and his wife, Bonnie, of Northville, Ken Russell and his wife, Connie, of Chestertown, and Jimmy Russell, Sr. of Gloversville; two daughters, Darlene Russell and Roseatta Russell, both of Warrensburg; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Rosie Russell of Bakers Mills, and Darla Yennard of Gloversville. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Ellen’s family from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be conducted at 11 am, Friday, at MountainView Community Church, Bakers Mills, with Pastor Chris Taylor, officiating. Burial will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Ellen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Parkinson Foundation, Hudson Headwater Health Network, or the Warrensburg Emergency Squad. Ellen’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her friends and neighbors for expressing their care for her throughout her illness, as well as Dr. Daniel Way and the staff at HHHN, the Warren County Public Health nurses and aids, Bridget, Deb, and many more, Meals on Wheels, her Physical Therapists, and all those who showed great compassion towards her over the years. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.