Shirley Ann Russell

Shirley Ann Russell, 79 of Westville, passed away Friday, June 24, 2016 at 1:37 AM at her home. She was born June 11, 1937 in Danville, the daughter of Glen and Gladys (Ponder) Richards. She married Bill Russell in 1974 in Daytona Beach, FL. He survives and will cherish all the memories they made together. Also surviving are her children, Tamie (Tim) Carwile Hovden of DeBeque, CO, Craig Carwile of Westville, and Brian Carwile of Westville; step-children, Joni (Matt) Russell Wells of Gulfport, MS and Scott (Bonnie) Russell of Ames, IA; grandchildren, Heather (Wes) White, Sarah (Tracy) Warner, Eric (Wynne) Venard, and Erica Carwile; step-grandchildren, Justin and Shannon Tanner, and Rory, Jeremy, and Brandon Russell; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Jerry (Nancy) Richards of Covington; sister-in-law, Barb Taylor; family friend, Mary Reffett; as well as many other nieces, nephews, friends and family who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents; Step-father, George "Pank" Keister; grandson, Jason Jackson; brothers, Larry (Dorothy) Richards, William Richards, and two infant brothers; sister, Janis Romack; and brother-in-law, Carol Taylor. Shirley worked at General Electric and then went on to be a bus driver for St. Mary's Catholic School and Westville School District. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and oil painting. She has a wide variety of bricks that she had collected throughout the years, some coming from local places that were demolished and other special places that she held dear in her heart. Most of all Shirley loved her family and taking care of them. She always put them first, before herself. They will miss her terribly. Shirley was part of a group called "The Three Shirleys". This group consisted of her best of friends, Shirley Barnes, Shirley Majors, and Donna Blue. These ladies kept their friendship going strong for 70 years and have all been close since grade school. They and their families, as well as Shirley's family, have many fun times and special moments with Shirley that they will cherish forever. A grave side service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Greenwood Cemetery in Danville where she will be laid to rest. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville, has been entrusted with arrangements.