Betty L. Russell Obituary's Obituary
Betty Russell, 81 of Centerville passed away Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. Betty was born in Centerville on January 26, 1929 to Fred & Mamie (Packard) Lyons. She received her education from Forbush and Centerville Schools, graduating in 1946. Betty married Oliver 'Pep' Russell on June 20, 1948. Betty was employed at Iowa Southern Utilities for over seven years as a secretary and salesperson. While raising her family she sold Avon and worked as a receptionist at Dr. Gleason's office, secretary at First Baptist Church and was an Office manager for First United Methodist Church and Faith United Parish for over 27 years before retiring on June 30, 1999. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church and a choir member, American Baptist Women President and circle leader, Diaconate Board member, Christian Education Board member, Sunday School teacher, Area III Region/Love Gift Chairperson, Treasurer of Area III American Baptist Women, Region ABW/College Student Aid Chairperson, Member of Christian and Professional Business Women's After 5 group, secretary of Reaching All People Together of Appanoose County. She also volunteered at the Lord's Cupboard and New Hope Counseling Center in Centerville. Betty is survived by two children; Reta Pope (Don) of Fairfield, Bruce Russell (Deanna) of Rathbun, son-in-law, Tom Belloma of Centerville, six grandchildren, Angie Coleman (Brandon) of Fairfield, Katie Pope (Dave Belluchi) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Raymond Russell (Jill) of Bloomfield, Michelle Russell of Rathbun, Nic Belloma of Centerville, Rebecca Belloma of Des Moines, four great grandchildren, Cole Russell of Bloomfield, Bailee and Emma Coleman of Fairfield and Baby Boy Coleman in July 2010, brother John Lyons (Edna) of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oliver Russell on January 1, 1986 and her daughter Linda Belloma on July 13, 2004. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Centerville. Visitation will be all day Tuesday with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home -- 23548 Hwy 5-- PO Box 125 -- Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left at www.thomasfh.com. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty L. Russell Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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