Faith Christie Russell

Passed away suddenly early Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016 at her home outside of Jacksonville, Oregon. She was 80 years old. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Russell; 4 children: James Russell (Caron), Jill Benson Jago (Eric), Susan Russell Wollert (Keith) and Derek Benson; and 9 grandchildren: Angelia Bottiani, Amy Jago, Emily Bottiani, Kyle Wollert, Abigail Jago, Jessie Wollert, Samuel Russell, Paul Jago and Elizabeth Russell. Faith Christie (Chris) Earley was born February 13, 1936 in Monterey Park, CA, second child of Lester and Elizabeth Earley. She attended school in Monrovia, CA and was very active in her MYF group at church. After graduating from Monrovia Arcadia Duarte High School in 1953, she attended Whittier College, graduating in 1957. She married Robert Benson in June 1957. They briefly lived in Boulder CO, Syracuse NY and Lynchburg VA where she taught elementary school. They then moved to Santa Barbara CA, raising 3 children: Jill, Gregory and Derek. They attended St. Mark United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School Superintendent and was in the choir and bell choir. Robert passed away in 1979 and her son Greg in 1985. Chris also worked as music buyer at Legacy Book Store; many remember her passion for Christian and Choral music. On Nov. 1, 1987, Chris married Thomas W. Russell, adding three adult children to her family: James, Susie and Mark. In 1995 they bought property in southern Oregon and began their 20+ years of traveling back and forth from Goleta, CA to Jacksonville, OR. She was very involved at Ruch Community Bible Church, attending bible studies and singing in the choir. She loved being "Grandma Russell" and hosting the children, grandchildren and many other family and friends. Also preceding her in death were her brother, Ted Earley (2010), and son Mark Russell (2013). She is now with her Lord Jesus and reunited with family and friends in heaven. Memorial Services will be held: Saturday, July 30th 10:30am Oaks Bible Church (meeting at 560 N. La Cumbre Road, Santa Barbara); Saturday, Aug. 6th 2:00pm Ruch Community Bible Church, Jacksonville/Ruch OR.; A brief Graveside Service will be held Friday, July 29th 1:00pm Goleta District Cemetery, Santa Barbara. All are welcome to attend these services.