Eleanor Jean Russell

Eleanor passed from this life on August 14, 2014, surrounded by her family in Antioch, CA. Eleanor was born June 22, 1928 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the 3rd daughter of the Rev. Merle and Clara Whitlow. As a "preacher's kid", Eleanor spent her childhood in many small towns in Eastern Kansas, graduating from high school in Columbus KS in 1946. She graduated from Emporia State Teachers College in 1950.

After one year of teaching Eleanor found her true calling while working as a camp counselor at Turkey Creek Girl Scout Camp in Wichita, KS. This was the start of a career as a Girl Scout professional staff member that spanned nearly 40 years. Eleanor retired from The Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County in 1991. Eleanor especially enjoyed her years as Camp Administrator for Hidden Falls and Skylark Ranch. Eleanor married John William "Bill" Russell in Wichita in 1957. Eleanor's father proudly co-officiated the ceremony. They were married for 39 years before Bill's passing in 1996. Eleanor and Bill and their family of 3 young children settled in Santa Clara, CA. Rick, Mary Lynne and Ron grew up and flourished in the home on Crestview Dr. After Bill's death Eleanor moved to Antioch to live with Mary Lynne, Richard and her deeply loved grandchildren Katelyn and Russell. The last 15 years of her life, Eleanor happily resided in her "suite" at Cypress Meadows. During Eleanor's life she was passionate about many causes. With a keen interest in poltics and a proud feminist, she was an early member of the National Women's Political Caucus. Eleanor also campaigned for the rights of gay people in Santa Clara County. Eleanor suffered a devastating stroke in 1992. Through many physical limitations Eleanor's spirit was never diminished. She enjoyed time with her family and cherished her church family at First Congregational Church of Antioch. Eleanor's faith was unwavering and she simply would not miss Sunday Service if at all possible. Eleanor attended church 4 days before she left this life. Eleanor is survived by her children, Rick and his partner Akos, Mary Lynne and her husband Richard, and Ron. Grandchildren Katelyn and Russell. Eleanor's cherished sister Margaret passed away shortly after Eleanor on Sept 8, 2014.

Eleanor was laid to rest next to Bill at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara on August 20, 2014. A Memorial Service celebrating Eleanor's life will be held at First Congregational Church of Antioch, 200 E. Leland Rd., Pittsburg, CA on September 28, 2014 at 11:30. Lunch will be served following the service. For those who wish to make a donation to honor Eleanor's life, her wish was for donations to be made to Project Open Hand. www.openhand.org