Wilda Ruth Russel, born Wilda Ruth Meyers, passed away October 30,2025 at the age of 96. Wilda is predeceased by both her husband, Col. Robert H. Russell USAF (Ret), and their daughter, Wilda Ruth Russell II.
Raised in Phoenix, AZ, Wilda attended North High School and Colorado Women’s College, then she attended and graduated from Arizona State in 1951, the same year she married her husband. During her husband’s long career with the United States Air Force, Wilda was able to see much of the world and lived in several countries, including England, Denmark, and the Philippines. Their final duty station was at Langley AFB, Hampton, VA. After retiring in Virginia and living in Florida, Wilda and Bob returned to Arizona to be closer to family.
Wilda held a love of travel, reading, cooking, knitting and sewing. A lifetime gardener, Wilda nurtured a variety of plants, including rare and beautiful orchids, her favorite. Additionally, she enjoyed various social experiences, including playing scrabble and Margarita Mondays. She was a rare soul who lived an incredible life, she will be loved and deeply missed by her family and all those who knew her.
