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Kathryn Russell Obituary
Kathryn O'neil Russell of North Garden, 54, died Thursday, October 22, 2009.
She was born on September 1, 1955, in Charlottesville, and is survived by her parents, Malcolm and Jacqueline Underwood; her sister, Elizabeth Bowman; and her brothers, Chip and Cliff Underwood.
She is also survived by her loving family, Wayne Russell, her husband of 36 years; her children, Holly, Lynn, Laura, Emily, Beth, Charlotte, Caleb and Hannah; and her grandchildren, Alanna, Ava, Amelia and Ariela.
Kathryn was an independent dairy farmer and the founder of VICFA (Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association). She was an advocate and resource for direct farm-to-consumer relations, La Leche League, traditional foods and homeschooling. Her knowledge and passion had a tremendous and positive impact on her community, and she will be greatly missed.
The family will hold a private graveside service.
Her memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 2429 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
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December 7, 2009
Dear Wayne, Holly, and Children, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Kathy's passing. She was like a second mom to me growing up in Hampton and I will miss her greatly. You are in my prayers. Michelle (Curry) Siewert (River Falls, WI)
Ellen Dudley
November 3, 2009
Dear Wayne, Holly and children, I was shocked to learn of the loss of your wife and Mother,Kathy. How could that busy,energetic life be finished on this earth so soon! We met at Grace Fellowship church at least 28 years ago, and started the food co-op there together. She was a friend and teacher of good mothering, and I treasure her imput into my life. We lost contact when you moved to the Charlottesville area, but I wish we hadn't; my children(now grown)and I would have loved to visit your farm and see that new aspect of co-oping in action.
Ellen Dudley Seaford,VA
Anne Bedarf
November 3, 2009
I didn't know Kathryn well, but she was a force for good and a voice of reason. I sure do hope her work carries on in a positive way.
Tia
November 2, 2009
Dear Wayne and Family,
I knew Kathryn virtually, through a statewide homeschooling list. What a thoughtful and sometimes very funny lady! She said a lot in a few words. Many of us, who never had the chance to meet her in person, are shocked and grieving with you. I'm praying for all of you: her wonderful children, whom she so obviously loved, and their father. Kathryn cast a long shadow, maybe longer than you realize. From "lambies" to college applications, she had good advice to give, and was always encouraging. I was lucky to encounter Kathryn early in our homeschooling journey. I wish, I wish you could have had her longer.
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Allison Goodwin
October 29, 2009
Dear Wayne and family, I only had the opportunity to meet Kathryn by telephone while working with her briefly on a sustainable agriculture event this year, but my memory of her is strong and profound. I am shocked by the news of her passing, and words cannot convey how much my heart reaches out to you in this time of excruciating grief. Kathryn struck me as an incredibly passionate, courageous woman, and I know you all must be celebrating her life and legacy even in your sadness. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with your family, now and always. Sincerely, Allison Lennox Goodwin, Chelsea Green Publishing
October 28, 2009
Dear Wayne and Family,
Our young families met years ago at Grace Fellowship and we lived on the same street before you left the area. You have been in our prayers daily. Our deepest sympathy at this time of great sadness. She was a special encourager. Cliff and Debbie Whitehouse and daughters Mary Hannah Lucy and Leah
Ola Williams
October 28, 2009
Dear Andrew and Emily,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss, our hearts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family members, please continue keeping your heads up during this sad times knowing that God has a purpose for everything. God Bless You.
Susan Hannifan
October 27, 2009
Dear Beth and Family
I am on vacation and unable to attend the service today but I did want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you all will find comfort in the coming days and weeks as you fondly remember your mother, wife and daughter.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
October 27, 2009
Our prayers and sympathy to you all. Langden and Scarlett Mason
Ted and Margaret Barton
October 27, 2009
Dear Wayne and Family:
Although we have not been fortunate to spend long periods of time with you and your wonderful family, we sense that our loving God gave you a unique wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It is saying good-bye until you all meet joyfully in heaven. May you know the peace and love which Jesus gives.
Ted and Margaret Barton, Hampton, VA.
Jeannie Perutelli
October 27, 2009
Beth and Family,
We were all so very saddened to hear of your loss. I know in moments like these there are no words to express the depth of sorrow you must be feeling. By reading the other posts on here, it appears Kathryn was an exceptional person who was admired, loved, and respected by all who knew her. I pray that you will be able to take comfort in the legacy she has left behind. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
October 27, 2009
I will miss all of the emails though I never met Kathryn I can tell what a neat person she was. Gill Boones Mill Va.
October 27, 2009
Dear Russell family,
We are so sad hearing about your loss of Kathryn. Although we never met in person, she was a friend, nevertheless, when times were rough for our family. I've often thought how we live similar lives, sharing parallel beliefs, daily life & hobbies. The World is left with a hole without Kathryn. She was such an inspiration and champion for so much of what we believe in as well. We are praying for you all. God bless you.
Anita Puckett
Dee Creek Farm
October 26, 2009
Wayne, Marion, Children and Family,
We were are so sorry you lost Kathy. We in Philadelphia are sending our prayers and love.
Robin, San and Paige Chin
Kay Hubin
October 26, 2009
Alot of people say they want to leave the world a better place than they found it, but Kathryn Russell is one person who actually has.
A woman of unparalleled strength, determination, integrity, wisdom and courage, she tirelessly fought for the rights of small sustainable farmers so that Virginia families would not lose access to the wholesome, safe, clean food of their choice.
Kathryn we will never forget your sparkling eyes, your sharp intelligence, your soft smile...but most of all we will never forget the legacy you've left, a strong and magnificent family, a life lived in honor and sacrifice, in perfect harmony with the earth and with God.
You will be missed beyond words.
The Hubins
Fred & Ebba Liguori
October 26, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss and share your sadness. She was a wonderful person and meant so much to our family.
Lori Conklin
October 26, 2009
Dear Russell Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. My daughter, Isabella, and I truly enjoy coming to the farm each Monday to collect our milk. I know that Kathryn made a huge impact on fresh foods and homeschooling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in during this tremendously difficult time.
Kimi & Ian Wren
October 26, 2009
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Kathryn's death. Please know you are all in our thoughts. We are so sorry you are going through this.
Amanda Lotas
October 26, 2009
I just learned of this. I am so sorry. I don't know why she was taken so early. She has done so much. I used to buy milk and eggs and butter from her and I was always so grateful to be able to do that. I loved talking with her daughter Beth and her son Caleb. I pray for all of her family, especially all her children. I admire her so much for all she did for local wholesome wonderful food.
Susan Rohm-Briggs
October 26, 2009
Beth, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you find peace in the wonderful memories that you have of your mother, as I have heard nothing but great stories about her.
Bob and Pam Kirchman
October 26, 2009
We just heard of Kathy's passing on and we are so very sorry. We send our deepest sympathy to Wayne and all your children, and to the Bowmans and Underwoods. Praying for you all--May Jesus be very close and comfort you as only He can. We love you.
Jane and Larry Timmins
October 26, 2009
We never met Kathryn, but are friends of her parents Jackie and Malcolm. Many, many times we heard about the wonderful family of Kathryn and Wayne and their many accomplishments. We loved the stories of her children and could see how much the whole family loved doing things together. Malcolm and Jackie, we are so sorry for your loss and are praying for your entire family., Jane and Larry Timmins
L.F. Richards
October 26, 2009
What an amazing lady Kathryn was! She will truly be missed my all!!!
L.F. Richards
Angie Harrington
October 26, 2009
I never met Kathryn in person. But I have to say she was instrumental in our decision to begin homeschooling and in our whole-hearted belief that it is the best thing for our children. Through her well thought out posts on a state-wide homeschooling Yahoo group, I gleaned so much from her wisdom. I was quite shocked to learn she is gone and want to express my sincerest condolences to her family and friends. May God comfort all of you.
October 26, 2009
Wayne, I am sorrowful to hear of the loss of your wife. You and your family are in my prayers. If I can ever help in any way, let me know.
Eddie Byers
Lyndele von Schill
October 26, 2009
Kathy was a wonderful resource for the area's homeschoolers. She was one of the first voices to provide encouragement and support when our family first began our hs journey and remained a tremendous fount of knowledge and experience for us. She will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
October 26, 2009
The people at Mt.Olivet church are so sorry to hear of Kathy's accident and death. We hold your family in our prayers and thoughts. May all the good times and good memories help to soften the sadness you are feeling now.
Jennifer Bauer
October 26, 2009
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and heart, all the time since Thursday. As I hold my family close I think of you and wonder why these things happen and no answer comes... only tears. With love and deepest sympathy,
October 26, 2009
Lynn,
I was truly saddened to hear of your Mother's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. With much love, Ginger
Becky Grubbs
October 25, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I met Kathryn only a year ago, and I could tell then she was such an inspiration to many. May God comfort you and bless your family during this very difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Jill Feigh
October 25, 2009
Mrs.Daniels, Wayne, and family,
Our deepest sympathies are with you all during this time of devastating loss. Although we didn't know Kathy very well, we know she always had a very positive impact on those around her she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Jill (Wolf), Mike and Christopher Feigh
Hayes, VA
Sandra Bennett
October 25, 2009
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers; I am so extremely sorry for your loss.
October 25, 2009
Lynn, Dan and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your Mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Much peace and love to you always, Cathy
October 25, 2009
Wayne,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your wife. When I think of your family, I am reminded of a family who lives and values the true meaning of "Family". I have always been impressed with yours and Kathy's dedication to your family and community. May God bless you and your children, and may you be blessed with the strength to carry on with the life that Kathy would want you live.
Cindy Coleman
Carr's Hill
University of Virginia
Kenneth Matheny
October 25, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathryn's family & friends at this difficult time.
Kenneth Matheny & family
Bill & Laureen Daniels
October 25, 2009
We were deeply saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Kathy was indeed a very special lady. Brittany and Taylor will always treasure the memories of visiting your farm, bottle feeding the baby cows and learning how to milk not only a cow but also a goat! Please know that your family is in our prayers.
Don Hardman
October 25, 2009
Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you all at the lost of such a dear one. May God truly hold you under his wings in the days ahead and may you grow in His grace and in committment to one another as a family.
We know you loved Kathryn dearly and will miss her greatly.
In the love of Jesus, Pastor Don and Barbara Hardman
Dawn Riley
October 25, 2009
I am thankful for Kathy entering our life many years (19) ago. She was a big encouragement as we began our homeschooling journey. She had me and my three children come to her home and went through curriculum to help educate me about the many choices out there. At the same time the kitchen table was full of produce that she was getting ready for the people in the food co-op. At the time this seemed very foriegn and strange to me. Through the years that thought changed. Kathy acted as a pioneer in many areas that many of us finally saw the light. Her life touched ours through her children, sister and cousins. We are so very sadden by your lose and as you well know our community will be efffected . Thank you for sharing her with us.
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