Obituaries

January 17, 1924 to November 6, 2020

WINAMAC - Margaret Emily Russell, 96, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Nov. 6.

M. Emily Russell

She was born Jan. 17, 1924, in a rural farmhouse near Waveland, Ind. She graduated from Joliet High School in 1942 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). She married E. Joseph Russell on June 20, 1954 in Danville, Ind. He passed away on April 18, 1987.

She is survived by children Kimberly Russell, and Steven (husband Robert Figuly) Russell. She was devoted to her grandchildren, MacKenzie (Brian) Ledley and Benjamin (Ashley) Ulm. Her home was always open to her children and grandchildren’s friends who lovingly referred to her as “Gma.” Her heartbeat and greatest joy in her later years were her two great-grandchildren, Joseph Patrick and Lillian Margaret. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Inez McGaughy Collings; her daughter, Jennifer Jo Russell; her son-in-law, Larry Lyle; one sister, Donna Hodge; and two brothers, John Collings and Clayton Collings.

During her service in the navy, she worked at U.S. defense plants across the Eastern seaboard typing the orders to deploy bombs overseas in World War II. In 1997, she was part of the inaugural group of women recognized at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. After the war, she attended and graduated from Canterbury College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was hired as a teacher in Pulaski and enjoyed her years teaching there, and delighted in spending time with the children. They taught her how to play baseball, and she took them for walks to get ice cream during Physical Education.

Later, Mrs. Russell and her husband were co-owners of two well-known businesses in Winamac, Russell’s Old Trading Post and Russell Realty. After marrying, she spent her time supporting the music arts and was focused on serving others through local philanthropic works. She served as president of Delta Sigma Tau, president of Mother’s Club, president of the United Methodist Women, and served as the American Heart Association district chairperson for 30 years. She was a member of the Royal Center Order of Easter Star #375 and received her Award of Gold in 2005. She was also a member of the Pulaski County Historical Society, Winamac Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post #1728, and Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Winamac where she served as treasurer. She enjoyed reading, knitting, basket weaving, and loved having a home full of music. She found solace in her faith and reading God’s word.

Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A VFW Auxiliary memorial service will be at 2 p.m., and an OES memorial service will be at 6 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. A private funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Winamac with Rev. Michelle White officiating. Interment will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations will be directed toward the purchase of a new carillon system to be enjoyed by the community. Donations may be given to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 343, Winamac, IN 46996.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

All guests who come to remember and celebrate Emily’s life are asked to wear masks, practice social distancing, and use good hand hygiene as we work together as a community to the stop the spread of COVID-19.