Ellen Marie Goodner Russell

Ellen Marie Goodner Russell died Saturday, December 25, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. She was born October 21, 1956 in Danville, Illinois to Gene "Buck" and Mary Clearwater Goodner. She was the fifth of six children born in this family. Her parents preceded her in death, as well as her older sister Becky Chambliss.

Ellen was married to Jim Russell on June 28, 1992 in Danville, Illinois; he survives. Also surviving are two stepsons, Brad (Kami) and Brian (Becky); five granddaughters- Jeanna, Jillian, Mackenzie, Macie, and Morgan; four Goodner brothers John (Linda), Jeff (Teresa), Steve (Sara), and Scott (Barb); a large, great extended family, four sisters- not by blood, but by heart- Gale Defenbaugh, Bess Huls, Sharon Detamore, and Barb Calvin, and one special cousin, Lu Ann Picklap, who was one day older.

Ellen was a registered nurse, receiving her nursing education from what is now the University of Indianapolis. At one time or another in her career, she did about every job in the nursing field except teaching. She retired from OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville as a nurse case manager.

The family has been told by coworkers that Ellen was the "go to" person with difficult cases or questions. She served patients with compassion, integrity, and honesty. She was also a sounding board for many of her family and friends. She was Jims biggest supporter as he served in roles as a minister, counselor, and administrator. And she was her granddaughters biggest fan.

In recent years, Jim and Ellen were blessed to be able to travel. She especially loved going to the beach with her granddaughters. She also very much enjoyed hosting her large family gatherings at her home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ in Bismarck, Illinois. The funeral will be conducted Friday, December 31 at 10 a.m. at Northside. Northsides address is 17167 East 2750 North Road, Bismarck, Illinois. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville assisted her family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin High School Booster Club, Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School Booster Club, or Salt Fork High School Booster Club.

Please join Ellens family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation Thursday December 30, 2021 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Northside Church of Christ 17167 East 2750 North Road Bismarck, IL 61814 Funeral Service Friday December 31, 2021 10:00 AM Northside Church of Christ 17167 East 2750 North Road Bismarck, IL 61814