Lavena Darlene Russell

Darlene was born in Mack’s Creek, Missouri on May 27, 1933 to Henry “Sug” Ricker and Nera Ricker (Moulder). Darlene was a business woman with a keen sense of style and artistic flair which was reflected in her floral and decorating endeavors. She was a member of the Holmeswood Baptist Church for over 45 years where she sang in the choir, served on the decorating committee and gave her time to many charitable programs. Darlene was also an avid bridge player for years, sometimes belonging to as many as 5 bridge clubs at a time and subbing for other clubs, as well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth “Kenny” Russell, her parents and her brother, Archie “Rick” Ricker of Springdale, Arkansas. She is survived by two brothers, Johnny Ricker (Charlene) of Liberty, Missouri and Dale Ricker (Becky) of Smithville, Missouri, sister in law Sharen Ricker, as well as her sister and brother in law, Juanita and Donald Creach. She is also survived by two daughters, Debra South and her husband Gary Winters of Canyon Lake, Texas and Rhonda Raithel and her husband Thomas Raithel of Leawood, Kansas. Also, surviving her are her grandchildren, Sommer Buettner, Shannon South, Megan Raithel and Lee Raithel, as well as two great granddaughters, Morgan South and Makenzie South, a great grandson, Jude Buettner and great-great grandson Abel South.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Holmeswood Baptist Church, 9700 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Darlene's name to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; (816) 363-2600; https://www.kchospice.org/donate/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Russell family.