Louise Sue Russell, age 87, passed away at her home in Texas on July 19, 2019. Louise was born on December 9, 1931 near Excelsior Springs, MO, the daughter of Lowery H. and Carrie (Clevenger) Crum. Louise graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1947. After graduation, she worked at the Clay County State Bank, Excelsior Springs for nine years and then at Phillips Petroleum, Kansas City, MO. Louise took college courses from William Jewell College, Liberty, MO, and Butler County Community College, El Dorado, KS. She worked in the Russell & Sons Construction office in Eureka, KS, from 1986 to 1991.
She was married to Lee Wray Russell, May 16, 1954 in Excelsior Springs, MO. Their two children, Mark and Jana were born while they lived in Liberty, MO. The family moved to Eureka, KS, in 1966.
Louise was a member of the Eureka Methodist Church and served as Sunday school teacher, President of United Methodist Women, Lay Leader and on various committees. She served as President of the Eureka Library Board 1980-82 and Golf Chairwoman of the Eureka County Club at different times. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader and Neighborhood chair. She organized the Red Hat Gals, a chapter of the Red Hat Society, in Eureka, KS.
Louise was a member of the Eureka PEO Chapter FR and the Sun Lakes PEO Group D. In 1987, she was honored as the Kansas Land Improvement Contractor’s Wife of the Year and the National LICA Contractor’s Wife of the Year. During her husband’s term as President of Associated General Contractors she accompanied him to many meetings in the U.S. and internationally.
Louise is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lee Wray Russell; son, Mark Russell and his fiancé Michelle Neilson in Tyler, TX, and his daughter, Katherine Russell in Atlanta, GA; Louise’s daughter, Jana resides in Longview, Texas with her husband, Rev. John Whitehurst and their son, Russell Whitehurst.
Her parents; brothers, Herbert Crum and Clevenger Crum; and sister, LaRue Stein, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2019, with service following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, MO. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, MO. There will also be a memorial service held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Eureka First Methodist Church, 521 N. Main St., Eureka, KS 67045, 620-583-5663, with luncheon following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Eureka Methodist Church, 521 N. Main St., Eureka, KS 67045 or Eureka Library, 606 N. Main St., Eureka, KS 67045.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Mark and family, thinking of you during this time of loss and remembrance. Reading Louise’s obituary, it is obvious she was a talented woman of faith who attracted many friends throughout her life. Safe travels as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Rebecca Fitzgerald
