Laverne Campbell Russell

Her parents had migrated to Cyril from Wichita Falls,Texas because her father found work at an oil refinery there. The Campbell Family largely rode out the Depression in Cyril. By the time LaVerne started school, the family had relocated back to Wichita Falls. She graduated from Wichita Falls High school and attended Midwestern University. During the Fall of 1954 she met Phillip Russell, who grew up in Lindale Tx, a recent Petroleum Engineering graduate of the University of Texas. He had just begun his first employee assignment for the Texas Railroad Commission. It was love at first sight for both of them. They were married on April 23, 1955 in Wichita Falls, TX. Throughout Phil’s career they relocated several times, all with the Texas Railroad Commission - Wichita Falls where their first child Craig and second child Phillis were born, San Angelo where their 3rd child Michelle was born. Another residency in Wichita Falls, then Abilene and finally Austin to stay. She and Phil loved to attend Longhorn football and baseball games for decades. They also enjoyed Dixieland Jazz Club as well as Big Band Jazz music.

LaVerne passed away at home on October 22, 2024.

She is survived by her son Craig Russell & his wife Minnie, daughter Phillis Russell, daughter Michelle Mendoza & husband Robert, grandsons Travis, Phillip & Sam Russell, granddaughter Katy Mendoza & husband Zach Horton, granddaughter Lindy Mendoza & fiancé Martin Longoria, sister Sandy Gray & her husband John, as well as numerous nieces nephews and cousins.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents & husband Phil.

Visitation will be held on Monday October 28, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral home 6100 North Lamar Austin, Texas.

Internment will be in the mausoleum, Tuesday October 29, 2024 at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery 14501 N IH 35 Pflugerville Texas at 1:00 pm.

The family would like to thank Traditions Home Health & Hospice Care for their assistance and kindness during these last few difficult weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.