Nancy Lee Russell

Nancy Lee Russell of Williamston, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 28, 2022. Nancy was born on April 30, 1945, to the late Ralph and Marian (Nolen) Stickle in Battle Creek, MI. She graduated from East Lansing High School and then received her teaching degree from the University of Michigan. Nancy married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) William Russell, on August 19, 1967, spending 54 years together.

Nancy and Bob started their lives in the East Lansing area, eventually finding and moving to their forever home in Williamston. Her teaching career began in 1967 working for the Lansing School District and then moved to East Lansing. In 1970, she took time off to enjoy many years at home raising her two young children. She returned to the classroom in 1987 at Fowlerville Community Schools, where she retired from teaching French in 2000. After her retirement, Nancy enjoyed gardening, worked a part-time job at Christian’s Greenhouse and joined the Williamston Garden Club. Much of her time after that was absorbed in being a wonderful friend, great grandmother, grandmother, mother, and wife. She treasured spending time with her six grandchildren here and up at the family cottage in Sutton’s Bay where many priceless memories were made. Nancy very much enjoyed traveling with Bob as well, visiting all but four states. Their travels began with the MSU Hockey Road Crew following the hockey team to various schools in the Midwest. Some of their other traveling highlights included places such as Alaska, California, and numerous visits to Florida, always taking time to stop and visit friends and family along the way. Part of their travels were slow moving in their Ford Model A where they enjoyed meeting up with the Model A Club. Not only did Nancy enjoy her gardening, travels and family, she also created many cherished memories with her various friends she met along the way.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Russell; her children Jennifer (Brian) Savage of Howell, Todd (Bridget) Russell of Williamston; her dearly loved grandchildren, Kylee Savage, Madison Savage, Alyssa (Caleb) Medina, Natalie Savage, Alexis Russell, and Emmalee Russell; her great granddaughter Oaklee Medina; and her sister Barbara Stickle of Mill Valley, CA.

Visitation for Nancy will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, MI 48895 on April 8, 2022, from 2 PM to 8 PM. The memorial service will be held at Williamston Free Methodist Church, 4400 N. Williamston Rd. Williamston, MI 48895 on April 9, 2022 at 12 PM. Nancy will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 801 Joe Mann Blvd., Suite P9, Midland, MI 48642 or submitted online at alz.org or Memorial Lutheran Church, 1022 W. Grand River Ave, Williamston, MI 48895.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com for the Russell family.