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Walter Russell Obituary
He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Alice Irene Russell and survived by his daughter Elizabeth Fletcher and son-in-law Dean Fletcher; his grandchildren, Melinda and Bret Gedryn and their 3 children, Brittany, Sydney and Jake; Christine Fletcher and her daughter Sage Priolo; Dean R and Kelley Fletcher and their two children Abby and Caden.
He graduated from Chico State College, and served in the Army Air Corps in WWII. For over 60 years he lived in Yuba City and was active in many civic and fraternal groups. Merle was a dedicated teacher and administrator at Britton Elementary School in Sutter and later in the San Juan School district in Auburn. During his time as an educator he took special interest in sports and organized many track meets and ski trips for the students in his schools. He refereed high school football and basketball for years and was one of the founders of the Lions Club All Star Football game. He participated in 4H as he was growing up and led 4H groups as an adult. While attending Marysville High School and Chico State College he was active in the drama group and played in their bands. He and a few friends played for local dances and events. He also played baseball for many years and was on the Army baseball team during his time in the Army, a highlight was playing in a game against Joe DiMaggio.
He was a founder of the Sutter Lions Club and represented his district as District Governor in 1977-78. He was also a member of the Elks, Native Sons, Masons, Shrine and Eastern Star organizations.
Merle was an avid sportsman, active in the Yuba Sutter Ski Club. He loved to fish, dive for abalone, hunt and ski. He brought many "city" folk to his love for the outdoors. Alice and Merle spent much of their retirement time at the Forbestown timber property, learning about responsible forestry and it was the pride of their many accomplishments.
Donations to The Sutter Lions Eye Foundation (P.O. Box 503, Sutter, CA 95982) would please him. He is missed.
Services will be held Friday, December 14 at 10:30 am at Ullrey's Memorial Chapel in Yuba City. Burial at Oroville Memorial Park is private.
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Russell
Johnny M. Douglas
Johnny Douglas
December 16, 2012
I know Mr. Russell will be missed by all those who love him. He is a great man and always highly respected. Please accept my condolences for Your loved one Merle Russell. He was always larger than life to me. Eight years my princapal at Brittan Elementary and what we did not learn at home we learned at school from Merle Russell. May God give all the family members strength through this difficult time; May God be with you all. Johnny M. Douglas
Loren Stanfield
December 11, 2012
Sixty five years later Merle is still an influemce in my life. I will always remember him as one half of the finest team of high school sports officials. Along with Cliff Anderson they were unequaled. We always knew we would get a fair, well called game when they were assigned to any of our YCUHS games.
My condolences to the family of a very influential man.
December 11, 2012
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family
December 10, 2012
May Gods peace and love sustain you during this difficult time. Ps 55:22
Carlene (Lapham) Ault
December 10, 2012
Our family lived across the street from Brittan and we were very aware of Mr. Russell and the type of person he was. A student quit coming to school so Mr. Russell went to check on him. When the student said he quit because the kids were teasing him because he didn't have shoes to wear and had been coming to school barefoot. Mr. Russell took him to town and paid for a pair of shoes so he could return to school.
He was always fair in his treatment of us kids. I know he will be missed by many.
Marjory Helzer-Brooker
December 10, 2012
Mr Russell will be missed by lots of people. He was always Mr Russell to me as he taught me at Britton School. I always ebjoyed it when I would see him & his wife while in town. He was very involved with a lot of things in Sutter. can see him now teaching the girls Volly Ball Team, which I was on. You will ne missed & even though I'm in my 70's now I have lots of good memories of him. He even as a favor filmed my sisters wedding. God bless you & your family you are in my prayers..
December 10, 2012
Merle you will be missed. I have very found memories of times with your family. I especially have a fond memory of dad taking me to your house to be "instructed" on how to drive my VW. At the time you were commuted to Auburn in your VW. What happy memories.
Beth Brown Standley
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