Elsie Marie Russell

Elsie Marie (Decker) Russell was born on April 20, 1925 in Roseburg and passed away in her home on December 29, 2018.   Elsie was raised and attended schools in Roseburg.  Elsie married Walter R. Russell on January 26, 1942 and they were happily married 63 years when Walter passed in 2003.  They had three children, Walter R. Russell Jr., Steven W. Russell and Shirley (Russell) Counts.  Walter and Steven preceded her in death. Elsie enjoyed her children and participated in their activities such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls.  All of the children’s friends were welcome at the Russell home and it was often bustling with friends.  Elsie and Walter also enjoyed fishing and camping with Lemolo Lake being a favorite place to spend a week. Elsie enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and passed along beautiful afghans to her children, grandchildren and many friends.  She also sewed many quilts – especially beautiful flannel baby quilts.  Elsie loved Springs arrival – she loved to garden and watch the plants and flowers bloom and produce fruit.  Her favorite were the cherry tomatoes from her plants. Mom loved children and had an in-home daycare for many years.  She loved each of these children and taught them respect, manners and to treat everyone in the same way they would want to be treated.  These children are now adults with their own children who would come and visit Mom and reminisce about their childhood spent at the Russell home. Elsie is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Russell) Counts.  Grandchildren Trevor Russell, Lance Paden, Kevin Russell, Sara (Bruce) Groves and grandson - closest friend and caregiver, Chris Russell (Candi).  Great grandchildren are Tayler (Drew) Slipher, Vanessa (Sean) Nelson, Sage Paden and Zander Russell. Great-great grandchildren Lily Slipher and her namesake Elsie Grace Slipher. Elsie lived very independently and with grace who always welcomed family and friends with a smile and love in her heart.   She had an attitude where she was grateful for everyone in her life.  Elsie enriched many lives and her presence will be missed. Services will be held to honor this great woman on January 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Wilsons Chapel of the Roses, Roseburg, Oregon.  Everyone is welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers Elsie asked that you contribute to the nonprofit Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, P. O. Box 213, Roseburg, OR 97470 in her name, or your favorite charity.
Please visit www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave the family fond memories and condolences.




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