Ramona J. Russell

RUSSELL, Ramona J.
Age 79, of Linden, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at The Gatehouse, Williamsport, PA, on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Ramona celebrated 39 years of marriage with Eugene H. Russell who passed away in 1989. She was born in Williamsport on November 13, 1928 to the late Sillick and Cecelia LaChance Steinback. She graduated from South Side High School in Elmira, NY in 1946, and then moved back to Williamsport where she met and married Eugene. Ramona and Eugene took their three children to the beach at Ship Bottom, NJ (Long Beach Island) every summer since the 1960's for many happy vacations, a tradition that now includes her only grandchild, Alex Russell. Ramona was very athletic and enjoyed skiing, ice skating and cheerleading in her youth and hiking, playing outdoors, swimming and bowling with her children. Ramona's passion for bowling enriched her life; she was active in several bowling leagues for many years and was a proud member of the "600 Club." Before her rheumatoid arthritis incapacitated her, she played piano and crocheted beautifully. Ramona is survived by her son and grandson, Robert and Alex Russell of Williamsport; and two daughters, Mary Jane (Jimmy) Baier of Linden and Kitty Russell of California; and her sister, Mary Shemery of Williamsport. In addition to her husband and parents; she was preceded in death by her brother, Elwood "Woody" Steinback in 1976; and her beloved pets, including Bownie and Patty. Family and friends may call from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Kraig L. Faust of St. John's-Newberry United Methodist Church officiating. Ramona truly believed "flowers are for the living", so instead of flowers, memorial contributions in her name should be made to The Gatehouse, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701; or the Lycoming County SPCA, Reach Road, Williamsport, PA 17701; or LAPS, 3510 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701.