Ernie Russell, 95, of Earlville, Ill passed away, Friday, September 13, 2013 at Stonecroft in Mendota, Ill. He was born May 6, 1918 in Lebanon, KY the son of David and Blanche (Hughes) Russell. He was preceded by his 3 wives, Matilda Mills, Dora Whitlock and Genrose Bailey. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Earlville. Ernie worked at Wurlitzer Piano Factory for 35 years until it closed. Ernie and Dora owned and operated Russell’s A & W Root Beer Drive-In in Earlville. He helped Don Hanley at Hanley Funeral Home for several years. Ernie enjoyed refinishing furniture, working for local farmers and raising his large family.
He is survived by four sons, Robert (Susan) Russell of Pontiac, IL, Pat (Jane) Russell of Earlville, Gregg (Cindy) Russell of Pontiac, IL and Jeff (Darcy) Russell of Palos Hills, IL; Seven Daughters, Rusty (Mary Agnes) Russell of Chicago, Ernestine (Gerry) Tuftie of Flanagan, IL, Anna (Charlie) Svendsen of Earlville, Rita (Ron deceased) Fox of Chicago, IL, Joan (Perk) Perkins of Earlville, Debbie (John) Spears of Tucson, AZ and Robyn (Don) Bomstad of Earlville; twenty-four grandchildren, forty-eight great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; three sisters, Virginia Heustis, Margaret Ann (Shorty) Wheeler, all of KY, and Anna Catherine "Toots" Badgett of Ohio, numerous nieces, nephews, and even some cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his three wives, three brothers, Melvin, Joe and James "Buddy"; one sister Mary Ola "Sis" Vessells; one grandson Jeffrey Scott Russell Jr.; 2 great grandchildren Hadley Jo Bomstad and Maci Jo Russell.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church 221 Union St. in Earlville, IL with Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Earlville. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2013 at the church in Earlville with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be Grandsons; Tim Tuftie, Brian Fox, Tom Spears, Doug Russell, Barry Russell, Kevin Bomstad, Ryan Bomstad and T.J. Russell. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the donors’ choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville, IL.
He is survived by four sons, Robert (Susan) Russell of Pontiac, IL, Pat (Jane) Russell of Earlville, Gregg (Cindy) Russell of Pontiac, IL and Jeff (Darcy) Russell of Palos Hills, IL; Seven Daughters, Rusty (Mary Agnes) Russell of Chicago, Ernestine (Gerry) Tuftie of Flanagan, IL, Anna (Charlie) Svendsen of Earlville, Rita (Ron deceased) Fox of Chicago, IL, Joan (Perk) Perkins of Earlville, Debbie (John) Spears of Tucson, AZ and Robyn (Don) Bomstad of Earlville; twenty-four grandchildren, forty-eight great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; three sisters, Virginia Heustis, Margaret Ann (Shorty) Wheeler, all of KY, and Anna Catherine "Toots" Badgett of Ohio, numerous nieces, nephews, and even some cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his three wives, three brothers, Melvin, Joe and James "Buddy"; one sister Mary Ola "Sis" Vessells; one grandson Jeffrey Scott Russell Jr.; 2 great grandchildren Hadley Jo Bomstad and Maci Jo Russell.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church 221 Union St. in Earlville, IL with Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Earlville. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2013 at the church in Earlville with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be Grandsons; Tim Tuftie, Brian Fox, Tom Spears, Doug Russell, Barry Russell, Kevin Bomstad, Ryan Bomstad and T.J. Russell. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the donors’ choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville, IL.
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