Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Russell, Dorothy Jane (Phillips) March 28, 2008
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net November 5, 2023, 3:18 pm

Ionia Sentinel Standard - Wed. May  7, 2008

                      Dorothy Jane (Phillips) Russell

Dorothy Jane (Phillips) Russell died March 28, 2008 in Medford, Ore.

Dorothy was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 30, 1922 to John Peter Phillips 
and Hulda Younquist. Dorothy and her parents moved to Ionia, several years 
before her graduation from high school and it was in Ionia (at the skating rink 
down a the fairgrounds) that she met "Larry" (George Laurence Russell). Dorothy 
and Larry married April 19, 19411, and lived in Ionia throughout their married 
lives. They had five children, all born and raised in Ionia over the next 19 
years. They met the challenges of raising their children with grace and 
perseverance. Neighbor children enjoyed the Russell household which exampled 
love of music, animals and a respect for work and education.

Dorothy and Larry were supportive of The March of Dimes( 1955-1965) and active 
in the Ionia first United Methodist Church. After his retirement, Dorothy and 
Larry spent several years traveling around the USA. Larry died in February 1984.
Dorothy remained in Ionia until August 1996 when she moved out to Oregon to be 
closer to family and better weather.Until about 2005 Dorothy enjpyed yearly 
visits back in Michigan with family and close enduring friends,. Unfortunately, 
Alzheimer's disease took its toll on Dorothy and travel was no longer an option. 
Known for her love of purple/lavender, Dorothy wore it, used it in her house and 
collected purple slag and amethyst glass. "Dot"as her early adult-life close 
friends called her, was known as a principled woman with a strength and spirit 
of encouragement that never wavered a scene of humor and smile that brought 
comfort to others. Dorothy's home and heart was readily open and she was a 
caring friend to many.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hulda Phillips, brother 
Peter John Phillips and husband Larry (1984).

She is survived by her five children, George "Laurie" Laurence (Connie) Russell 
of Athens, Ga., Tonne Lee (Larry) Ganger of Wilcox, AZ, John Albert (Sugar) 
Russell of Jackson, Mich. and Elizabeth "Beth" Ann Russell and Joseph "Joe" 
Nelson Russell of Medford, Ore.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren 
four nieces; one nephew and sister-in-law Carolee Phillips currently of 
Louisburg, N.C.

A Memorial Celebration will be held Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the First 
United Methodist Church at 105 E.Main St., Ionia, officiated by Reverend Larry 
Brown. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to:
Ionia First United Methodist Church, 105 E.Main St, Ionia - 616-527-1860


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