Russell Lee Woirhaye, 81, died September 8, 2026. Russ was born November 17, 1944, to Seben and Alice Henney Woirhaye in Kansas City MO. He grew up in Independence MO and attended William Christman High School. Russ graduated from University Of Missouri - Rolla with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. He resided in Stilwell, Kansas.
Russ served in the United States Air Force as a voice intercept specialist. He was a licensed professional engineer and built a career in the electrical utilities and telecommunications markets. Throughout his life, Russ was known for steady diligence and integrity—someone whose work was done carefully, whose word could be trusted, and whose loyalty to those he loved never wavered.
In 1972, Russ married Vicki . Together they were proud parents of three children, Kimberly, Jeffrey, and David. In family life, Russ was deeply devoted and giving, offering his time and support with a quiet generosity that made others feel cared for and secure.
Russ was an avid ham radio operator, first licensed in 1957, with the call sign K0VXU. He was a member of the First Class Operators Club and the American Radio Relay League. He served as past president of the DX Club and was the founder and past president of the Kansas City Contesters Radiosport—roles that reflected both his dedication and the respect he earned from others over many years.
Russ also gave generously of himself in the community. He served as the president of the Blue Valley Optimist Club and vice president of the Kansas State Optimist Club. He was president of the Stanley Community Church and an active member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. He was an active coach in his children’s sports activities and a supporter of the Blue Valley Band, showing up consistently and wholeheartedly for the people and causes that mattered to his family and community.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Ray Woirhaye. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Kimberly Reid (Grady) and son Holden, Jeffrey (Mary Ann) and son Andrew and daughter Eleana, and David (Ann) and sons Ryder and Palmer.
Russ will be remembered with respect and gratitude, as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather—an honest and hard-working man whose loyalty and generosity left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
