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STEVEN F. RUSSELL
1953 ~ 2017
Steven Fenton Russell, 63, passed away on February 19, 2017 of complications following a battle with cancer.
Steve was born in Emmett on June 12, 1953 to Bill and Clara (Towne) Russell. As the second born of seven children, he spent much of his childhood learning to work from his dad and grandfather on the family dairy farm. One of his earliest memories was driving tractor for his dad stacking hay. During his years at Emmett High School, he and his brother Clyde enjoyed enlisting their peers' help in stacking hay, only for the entertainment gained when said help realized they could not keep up with the Russell boys' work ethic. He was a member of the Emmett FFA and maintained throughout his life his high opinion of the agricultural leadership organization's role in young people's lives.
Steve later attended the University of Idaho for a time to study agriculture and to rodeo and remained a fan and supporter of the institution for life. Before starting a farm of his own, Steve enjoyed training and racing his family's Quarter Horses at the small tracks in Idaho. He was proud to have been a part of what he called 'an important part of this state's heritage'.
Steve married Claudia Heins on March 27, 1982, and they spent the next 34 years building their dairy farm on the Emmett bench with their five children. Steve and Claudia started their farm with 30 Holstein heifers and 80 acres of feed crops. Over three decades later, that same farm milks 150 cows and grows 350 acres of alfalfa, silage and grain corn, and barley.
Steve believed in working hard every day of his life, but he also believed that an individual had a responsibility to their surrounding community. He served on the board of the Emmett Irrigation District for nearly 30 years. He was particularly proud of the improvements made for the water users on the Emmett bench. His knowledge of the Payette River Drainage System was unmatched, and his experience with district issues was highly respected.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Bill and his brother Clyde.
Steve is survived by his wife Claudia, his children Angie (Andrew) Ratcliffe of Seward, NE, Liz of Kuna, ID, Stew of Emmett, ID, Henry of New Plymouth, ID and Wesley of Emmett, ID, and granddaughter Cora Ratcliffe. He is also survived by his mother Clara, brothers Clayton (Kaye) and Andy, sisters Jackie (Allen) Phillips, Lila (Stan) Russell-Schlief, and Lois Russell, and many other family and friends.
Family will receive friends on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett, ID. A graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 1:30 pm at the Emmett Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Russell family to be used for support of the FFA organization. Condolences may be offered at www.potterchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
5 Entries
Russell Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, son, brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Stephenson Sorrell (Leona Serratos daughter)
Brenda Sorrell
February 24, 2017
Claudia,
My thoughts are with you at this time.Please know that I care and hope you are doing good. Take care of yourself .
Love ,your old north side friend.
Louise Christiansen Hale
Louise HALE
February 23, 2017
So sorry to hear the news of your loved one's death. Now we look forward to the blessed reunion in Heaven. May Jesus hold you all close to Him as you grieve.
Love and hugs:
Mitch & Priscilla;
Dan, Kim, Trista & Christina; Nate Klintworth & Jade Hille
Priscilla Klintworth
February 23, 2017
Duke Luscombe
February 22, 2017
Rest in Peace Old Friend and God Bless.
Shaun Byrne
February 22, 2017
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