Phyllis Russell

Phyllis was born on March 26, 1940, in Emmetsburg, Iowa; as the fourth child of Pearl and Marion Gillpatrick. She was sweet, shy and a good little girl. Her parents moved in the early 40's during WWII to Oregon, for work during the war. After high school, Phyllis met serviceman, Delbert Russell, on a blind date, when his Navy ship ported during the Rose Festival Fleet event. They soon married and raised four children, Cheryl, Julie, Mark and Barbie in Portland. The family settled in north Portland, on N Willis Blvd & N Gloucester Ave.

Phyllis, a homemaker, was a hard worker and very active in her community. She volunteered for the school PTA, Girl Scouts and for various LDS church activities. She attended some college, studying Librarian work. She also held many church callings working in Primary, Sunday school, and Relief Society. She also served as a visiting teacher and spent countless hours in church fund raising activities. At one point her and her kids would make quilts for the church fundraisers.

For a few short years, Phyllis worked as a housekeeper. During those years, her husband became ill with kidney disease. Phyllis took pride in caring for her husband during that very challenging time. She was taught by Veteran nurses how to treat her husband’s illness and care for him. She assisted her husband onto this machine and with his disease for several years till his passing in August of 1987. Shortly after her husband’s death, she herself became ill; but continued to serve in the children’s ministry at the ward and stake center. She took pride in knowing that she helped cared for over 3,000 children in the church before her passing.

Phyllis Marie Russell, 74, of Portland, passed on June 27, 2014. She is preceded in death by, her husband, Delbert; daughter, Julie; parents', Pearl and Marion Gillpatrick; aunts, Martle and Rose; siblings, Mary LaVonne, Mervin, and Delbert. She is survived by her children, Cheryl, Mark and Barbie; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.