Florence Pauline Engberg and her younger sister Delores, were born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. After high school, Pauline went to a business school and also to Kansas City Bible College. She had a variety of jobs using her secretarial skills while living in Kansas City.
Pauline moved to Fresno in 1949 and worked for Radio Kids Bible Club. While in Fresno, she met the
bachelor living down the street, Robert E. Russell. When Radio Kids moved to L.A., Pauline followed,
and lived in Santa Monica. The friendship with Bob blossomed into a long distance romance, and the
two were married in December of 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Pauline and Bob had two children, Jill, followed soon after by Jack.
They were members of Memorial Baptist Church for many years, then First Baptist Church. Bob and
Pauline loved their church family and were involved in many of the activities of both churches.
Pauline worked at Fresno High School, then at Fresno State College. She retired from Fresno State in
1980 and Bob retired that same year from the Post Office.
In their retirement years, Pauline and Bob began “Fellowship Travelers” which provided mostly day
trips for seniors at their church. Pauline loved to travel and went to the British Isles and Europe with
friends several times. Eventually Bob joined her on a trip to the British Isles. They enjoyed visiting
Canada, Hawaii and a number of places in the United States together. Time spent at Pismo Beach in
their 5th wheel trailer was also a favorite.
Pauline and Bob moved into San Joaquin Gardens in 1994 where they met many new friends and
became involved in that community.
Bob went to Heaven in August of 2000, not quite making it to their 50th anniversary.
Around 2011, Pauline started keeping company with Charles Betts, who became a dear friend and
constant companion. They enjoyed going to church, Friday Night Gospel concerts, local events, and
were even able to travel to San Francisco, Sonora, Minnesota, and Hawaii. Pauline and Charlie read
the Bible together every day.
Pauline loved the Lord, and sought to follow his teachings. She was kind and friendly to everyone she
met. She made friends easily, and they were all her “best” friends. She was young at heart, laughed
easily and liked to have fun. Pauline loved to “go”, whether it was to a local event or across the
country. She especially enjoyed attending the Gaither Music Festivals with her good friend Sue, first in
Indianapolis, then in Gatlinburg.
Pauline is missed by her children, Jill and Wes Thiessen and Jack and Beverly Russell; her beloved
grandson, Rick Russell; the great-grands she adored, Riley and Zachary, and her dear friend, Charles
Betts. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Glenda Russell, and several nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice at 2490 W. Shaw Ave, Ste 101, Fresno CA 93711 or to
San Joaquin Gardens Endowment Fund, 5555 N. Fresno St, Fresno CA 93710.
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