Joan B. Russell

Born in Seattle on September 17, 1932 to Reva Mae (Vincent) and Elmer Edward Koppen, Joan spent the majority of her life there. The family also resided for a time in Ketchikan, Alaska while her father pursued his career working in the fishing and forestry industries. After graduating from Seattle's Lincoln High School in 1950, she lived and worked briefly for the phone company in Long Beach, California.

In August 1954, Joan married Homer Lee Russ Russell from Hendersonville, North Carolina, and settled in Seattle, where they raised their four daughters.

For many years, Joan was a dedicated member of the Sweet Adelines, where she sang bass with her award-winning chorus and created countless costumes for their competitions. Joan and Russ were lifelong members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in North Seattle, and for a time, Joan also worked as an Administrative Assistant in the University of Washington's School of Pharmacology. A gifted musician, avid gardener, expert seamstress and willing volunteer, Joan shared her creative skills with anyone who needed assistance.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russ, and her parents. She will forever be loved and remembered by those she leaves behind. Survivors include her four daughters, Katherine (Rocky) Diaz of Bellingham, Kristina (Morgan) Schwartz of Los Angeles, California, Karol (Ed) Stubbs of Redmond, Washington, Kimberly Russell of Bellingham, and grandchildren Albert and Veronica Diaz. Joan's sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Martin Goebel, reside in Port Angeles, Washington, and she has numerous nephews and nieces in Washington, Oregon, North Carolina and Illinois, in addition to many dear, supportive friends, who loved and admired her very much.

May you rest in peace, Joan.