Eloise Russell

was born on September 30, 1928, in San Angelo, Texas to Pernie Bledsoe Rainey Joplin and Marion

James Joplin. She attended San Angelo High School and worked part-time at KGKL Radio. Upon

graduation, Eloise attended Abilene Christian College, now Abilene Christian University where she received her associate degree. Upon her graduation, she moved back to San Angelo where she worked

at General Telephone Company and Strain Brothers as a bookkeeper. In 1949, Eloise, fondly known by

her family as Mom, Grandma and Grandmom, met the love of her life, Hudson Russell (Pop), on a blind

date her brother Franklin had arranged. Eloise and Hudson were married March 25, 1950, in San Angelo

and began their life together. In October of 1951, they were blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter

Kay. Eight months later Kay was diagnosed with polio, and Eloise and Hudson’s life changed drastically.

Eloise became a wonderful caregiver to her daughter Kay, and both she and Hudson became heavily

involved with the March of Dimes serving as officers of the organization. In December of 1955, Eloise

and Hudson were blessed again with a son, John, and the addition of a boy changed their life again.

Eloise was a stay-at-home mother most of her younger years caring for her family including many of Kay

and John’s young friends who frequented their home. After Hudson’s bookkeeper for many years retired,

Eloise took on the responsibility of keeping the business’s books and loved working with Hudson and their

son John in the Real Estate, Development and Construction business.

Eloise became a life-long member of First Christian Church when she married Hudson. There she served

as a Deacon and Elder and was continually active in the Henson Sunday School Class where she met

many of her life-long friends. Eloise was also continually active in Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF)

and later, after her children were grown, Eloise became active in the PEO.

Eloise and Hudson loved spending time with friends and loved to host parties and get togethers. One of

Eloise’s most unique gifts was her incredible graciousness as a hostess. She welcomed so many people

into her home over the years. She nourished her family, friends and strangers with infinite warmth and

kindness, not to mention incredible delicious food that we will never quite be able to re-create, and we will

always miss. Even the last few days of her life as family gathered by her side, Eloise was still the

gracious hostess ensuring that all were comfortable and had food and beverage.

Eloise and Hudson loved to travel and were fortunate to travel around the world with friends to Spain,

England, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy and many other places.

Eloise was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing with her friends about four times a week until her

eyesight began to fail.

Eloise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Hudson, her mother and father, Pernie and Marion

Joplin, and her brother Franklin Rainey. She leaves behind her sister, Bernice Clay, her daughter Kay

Dickens and husband Howard, her son John Russell and wife Donna, her granddaughters, Jonna Brack

and husband Joey, Angie Pahira and husband Sean, Chelsea Dickens, and Sarah Hillger and husband

Kevin. Eloise also leaves behind her five great grandchildren who she loved deeply, Brody Russell,

Charlie Pahira, Carson and Wyatt Hillger and the newest grandchild, Lily Brack. She also leaves behind

numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to give special thanks to Andrea Guerrero for her friendship and service to Eloise for

over 20 years and to Sylvia Sanchez for her friendship and care she provided to Eloise for many years.

The family is also incredibly grateful to Preferred Hospice and caregivers Judith, Britni, and Stephani for

the gentle care they provided; and to Comfort Keepers, Carmen, Becky, and Caitlynn for the care and

companionship they provided the last few weeks of Eloise’s life.

Eloise’s Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the First Christian

Church, 29 North Oaks, San Angelo, Texas. Eloise’s favorite charities were First Christian Church, West

Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, and Lighthouse for the Blind. Donations in lieu of

flowers can be given to these charities or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Russell family.