Mary Luetta Russell

Mrs. Mary Luetta Stewart Russell, 97, of Terre Haute, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 2, 1917, in Otter Creek Township, to Bennett and Stella Roberts Stewart, who preceded her in death, as did her beloved husband James “Doc” Russell, her son James Jr., her daughter Glendora Ruth, brothers Charles “Emery” Stewart, James Stewart, and infant brother, Edgar Stewart, Ben Stewart, Paul Stewart, and sisters Stella Redmon, Marie Russell, and Cassie Batton. She became a Christian at an early age attending Sunday school and church at Lost Creek Baptist Church where she met her future husband, James “Doc” Russell.

An outstanding scholar, Mary graduated from Otter Creek High School in 1935 and married “Doc” on May 25th of that same year. To this union were born 10 children to whom she instilled her love for the Lord and learning. Her entire life was devoted to God, family, friends, and “her garden.”

In the mid 1950’s, Mary and Doc helped establish Terre Haute Gospel Chapel, a new church in the city. Sister Mary was very active in Sunday school and planning outreach activities to share the gospel.

Left to cherish her memories are her children and their spouses: daughter-in-law Marry Russell (James Jr.-deceased) of Terre Haute, Esther Turner of Grand Rapids, MI; Gloria (John) Dow of Orlando, FL; Marilyn (Essie) Cheeks of Terre Haute; Larry (Vicky) Russell of Sheridan, IN; Phyllis (Donald) May of Grand Rapids, MI; Sondra (Charles-deceased) Conley, of Grand Rapids, MI; Michael (Joy) Russell of Terre Haute, and Pamela (Dell) Ballard of Jeffersonville, IN. “Granny” leaves a host of blessed grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sister Mrs. Carrie McClaren of Indianapolis and brother David (Janie) Stewart of Los Angeles, CA and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A wake will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 25 at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 at World Gospel Church, 900 Gardendale Dr., Terre Haute. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mattoxwood.com