Betty Jane Russell
Funeral services for Betty Jane Russell, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Russell passed away at 6:38 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home.
She was born January 18, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to John W. Barr and Temple Marie Barrett Barr. On February 17, 1951, she was married at West Plains, to Donald (Rusty) Russell, who preceded her in death on December 26, 1997. Mrs. Russell was a kindergarten teacher at St. Vincent Episcopal School for fifteen years. She loved reading, traveling, sewing and crossword puzzles; she loved her coffee. She also loved her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas. She was a member of the PEO sisterhood, the Francis West Guild and the First Christian Church.
She is survived by two children, Linda Ann Johnson and David Lee Russell and wife, Janet, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Callahan, West Plains, Bailey Russell, West Plains, Eli Russell, West Plains, Autumn Davis, West Plains, Derrick Hayes, Mountain Grove, Missouri, Vanessa Williams and husband, Thomas, West Plains and Zach Hayes, West Plains; and seven great-grandchildren, Quinsey Doolittle, Promise Russell, Lylian Williams, Pyper Williams, Liam Hayes, Prestyn Hayes and Allie Callahan..
Her parents, husband, one daughter, Donna Beth and her best friends, Marimartha Ritter, Pat Osborne, Charlene Buck and Cynthia Dunlap, preceded her in death.
The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for the excellent care that was shown to Betty.
Mrs. Russell will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Phyllis Miller
March 5, 2024 @ 3:34 pm
Linda, Jennifer, David, Janet and families my deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time. May you feel peace at this difficult time.
Linda Johnson
March 5, 2024 @ 6:18 pm
Thank you dear lady, we hope all is well with you!
Julie Rawnsley
March 5, 2024 @ 3:55 pm
Thoughts and prayers are with you our lovely friend Linda and family at this sad time. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.
Linda Johnson
March 7, 2024 @ 3:28 am
thank you my dear friends!
Amber Redburn
March 6, 2024 @ 9:59 am
Jennifer and Allie,
My Deepest Sympathy to the both of you on the passing of Betty. I will be keeping the both of you in my daily prayers and thoughts. May God bless the both of you and your families at this time.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Amber
Julie Henderson
March 6, 2024 @ 1:33 pm
Linda and David,
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved mother. I remember her well. May you feel peace and comfort that only God can provide in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Julie Tedford Henderson
Linda Johnson
March 8, 2024 @ 9:57 am
Thank you so much. As we discussed earlier, we have both lost our Moms so close together. I know they are catching up in Heaven, having a cup of coffee. Blessings to you and your family.
Patricia Knox
March 6, 2024 @ 2:03 pm
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I only met her once, and that was at Bob’s visitation. She seemed very kind. Bob thought highly of her. I pray that God’s love will surround your family with peace and comfort. Cherish your precious memories.
Linda Johnson
March 8, 2024 @ 10:02 am
Thank you so much. Mom thought the world of Bob, She loved how respectful he was and how kind and polite he was to her and our family. Thank you again for your kind thoughts.
Brenda Pirnack
March 6, 2024 @ 4:28 pm
Linda and family , We’re so sorry for your loss and sending prayers for comfort. Your family has always been such good friends and neighbors. Betty will be missed by many ! Brenda Pirnack and family
Linda Johnson
March 8, 2024 @ 10:04 am
Thank you Brenda. I cherish the memory of Ted and Awilda living next to my Mom. They were such good neighbors and people. Thank you for your kind thoughts!
Katy Harper Montgomery
March 13, 2024 @ 12:28 pm
I remember your mother from visits back to West Plains to see my mom, Lea Harper, and going to church with her. I also heard your mom’s name often over the years in many phone conversations with mom. I also felt as though I knew your mom as well. I am sorry for your loss!
Linda Johnson
March 14, 2024 @ 10:39 pm
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I remember your Mom so well, she was very sweet and thoughtful and so kind to my Mom. I loved her house and visiting with your Mom. I am sure her and my Mom are visiting and catching up right now! God bless you.