Wilma Lee Russell

Wilma Lee Russell, 88, of Ft. Wayne, IN, passed away on March 22, 2024. Wilma was born in Burleigh, MI on October 24,1935. She graduated from Whittemore-Prescott High School. She was the youngest of three daughters born to George and Helen (Paurich) Kovich of Burleigh, MI.

Wilma held various positions at Angola State Bank, working as a bank teller and as a new accounts clerk. She was also co-owner of Leichty Jewelry with her husband, Robert, in Angola, IN. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and the theater; square dancing, walking and visiting national parks and monuments; cooking and being with family.

She was active in church, most recently attending services at Brookside Church in Ft. Wayne. She was an active member of the Ambassadors Sunday school class. She was also a volunteer at Cameron Hospital in Angola, IN, from 2004-2011.

Wilma was married to Robert Russell on November 23, 1958. They were married for 62 years. She is survived by three sons: Gregory S. (Brenda) Russell of Spencerville, IN; Todd M. (Renee) Russell of Rockledge, FL; Mark E. (Amy) Russell of Salt lake City, UT; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Mitch) Spidel of Stuttgart, Germany; Ashley (Greg) Rohrs of Brighton, MI; Briana Russell of Ft. Wayne, IN; Sierra Jones of Florida and Natalie Russell of Salt Lake City, UT; eight great-grandchildren; siblings: John (Terri) Russell, Mary (Howard) Mack of Texas, and Betty West of North Carolina.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Russell and sisters, Eleanor Kovich and Pauline Layer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Woodburn Children's Home, 24902 Notestine Rd., Woodburn, IN 46797. Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services-Highland Park.