Ralph Edward Russell

ARGYLE Ralph Edward Russell, 65, went to the Lord Saturday, July 19, 2008, while at his home with his beloved wife, Barbara, and his faithful dog, Midnight, by his side. Born Nov. 10, 1942, in White Creek, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harry Eli Russell and Alma Viola Moon. His memoirs included attending school in a one-room schoolhouse, astronaut John Glenn's father stopping at the family home for dinner and conversation, and when he had a milk route, picking up milk from Sen. Joe Bruno's farm. On Oct. 20, 2001, Ralph married Barbara Ann Munger at the Argyle United Presbyterian Church in Argyle. Ralph enjoyed his days growing up and helping his father and other area farmers with their farms. He learned how to play guitar at age 8, and spent many days playing, while his dad played fiddle. Ralph also enjoyed playing the mandolin, piano and calling square dances. He especially enjoyed his times playing music with area musicians Al, Sonny, Skip, Bobby, Yabba, and so many more to mention. Ralph served in the United States Army being deployed to Vietnam as a cook from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1965. Upon return, he worked at many jobs along with his brother, Harold. He last worked for Fort Edward Express as a truck driver. He was a member of the Hudson Falls American Legion Post No. 574. Ralph had endured a long battle with heart disease and diabetes. Though he was stubborn at times, he maintained a positive attitude, with Barb by his side. He always had a smile, hug, handshake, and a joke for everyone he encountered. Ralph wanted everyone to know that he loved and cared for them. One simple sentence that his grandchildren recited upon hearing of his passing, "He was a good man." Besides his parents, his two brothers, Harold and William, and an infant niece have predeceased him. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Munger-Russell of Argyle; his mother-in-law, Eileen Munger of Hudson Falls; his stepsons Leon Reynolds of Lake George, and Jeremy (Maria) Reynolds of Kentucky; stepdaughter, Tracie Weller of Argyle; five step-grandchildren: Terri-Lee Reynolds of Queensbury, Leon Reynolds III of Lake George, and Michael, Angela and Brendan Weller of Hudson Falls; his brother, Francis (Isabelle) Moon of Buskirk, N.Y.; sister, Stella (Charles) King of Tennessee; brothers-in-law, John (Patty) Munger of Gansevoort, and David (Christina) Munger of Glens Falls; sisters-in-law, Debra(Danny) Crossman and Nancy (Kevin) Sweet of Hudson Falls; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Friends may call upon his family, Friday, July 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Argyle United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow the calling hours at 11:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Marie Case Strong Monroe, officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Friends and family are invited back to the church for a farewell party bringing a dish to pass and instruments to play in reflection of Ralph's life. Donations, in loving memory of Ralph, may be made to The Fisher House in care of Jerry Jensen, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. or to the Argyle EMS, 248 Pleasant Valley Road, Argyle, NY 12809. The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff of 7B, emergency department, and the Red Team of Stratton VA Medical Center for their care provided to Ralph in his time of need. Condolences may be e-mailed through www.bakerfuneral home.com, or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.