Russell Riley Moses

Russell grew up in Darrington, Washington, running around Squire Creek with his siblings. He learned to fish, hunt, and practice culture for both summer powwow—drumming with his dad’s drum “the Whitehorse Drum.” As well with winter powwow, where he become the family leader, speaker, and protector.

Russell spent his career working for the US Forest Service in wildfire fighting and then worked with the Tulalip Tribes in the Forestry Program from April 19, 1992 through April 19, 2023. He was well regarded and respected by his coworkers in the Natural & Cultural Resources Department.

Russell was a good man and husband, always working to provide for his family. As a father, Russell did his best to try and get his kids involved in activities, such as baseball and fishing. Russell would bring his children to family drum practices in Darrington at “Grandpa and Grandma’s House.” When it came to teaching his kids to drive, he would get them experience by doing rather than by lecturing. No matter the time of day or night when family would visit, Russell would always make sure his family ate food. As a grandfather, Russell was the one to get the grandchildren outside, learn to fish, and do outdoor chores. Russell was the best grandfather anybody could ask for.

Russell was a very loving brother and uncle, he worked hard to keep the greater family together and involved with each other and in our culture—spending both the winter and summer months providing his teachings. Russell was always a good listener, listening to his family’s dreams and providing advice to the family. Russell was the last person to always give people phone calls rather than messaging.

Russell was always a kind, loving and caring person.

Russell is survived by his wife Judy Moses, and his children Audrey & Gord (spouse) Joe, Tony & Darla (spouse) Moses, Jerry & Johnna (spouse) Joe, and his grandchildren Samantha, Lisa, Gordon, Ava, Ilena, Michela, Ann-Marie, Jackie, Olivia, Justin, Marionna (Onna), Jr., Vincent, Bella, and Chloe; his seven great grandchildren; his siblings Lyle Moses, Marcia (Moses) & Manual (spouse) Horne, Susan Moses, Myra (Moses) & Hoss (spouse) Hudson; and his loved nieces and nephews.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Moses Sr. & Theresa Joseph; his grandparents, Peter & Selena Joseph, Edward & Helen (Pierce) Moses; his siblings, Kenneth Moses Jr. & Carolyn (Grenier) Moses, Lena (Moses) Jones, Dolly (Moses) Iukes, and Gladys Moses; his daughter Mary Joe; and his great grandson Jasper.

Russell joins the ancestors.

An evening service will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 6 PM at the Tulalip Gathering Hall. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.