Wanda L. Russell

Wanda L. Russell

Wanda was born June 22, 1924 in Grandview, WA to Wilbur and Rose Goble. She had two elder siblings, Raymond and Doris. When Wanda was three years old, the family moved to Edmonds where her father was a math and shop teacher at Edmonds High School. Since moving to Edmonds By the Sea, Wanda has been a proud resident of this community where she has lived her entire life. Wanda was educated in Edmonds schools, graduating high school here in 1942. She also attended the University of Washington.
Wanda married her beloved husband of 35 years, Aiden "Russ" Russell, in November of 1943. During their marriage, they had five children, Patricia (Ken Campbell) of Lynnwood, Kathleen (James Brader) of Prosser, WA, Jerald (Cheryl) Russell, of Mukilteo, WA, and Rina (Michael Varnon) of Seattle, WA. Her youngest daughter, Erin Russell Penn is previously deceased. Wanda's grandchildren include Yishai Mizrahi-Varo of New York City, Megan, Christopher and Emily Russell of Mukilteo, Tamara Brader of Prosser and Heather (Andrew) Atterberry of Kennewick. Wanda also loved and adored her great-grandson, Aiden Brader Atterberry, who awaits a new sibling in March.
Wanda was a loving and caring wife, mother, friend and neighbor. She was employed for many years at Orner's Shoe Store in downtown Edmonds and was affectionately known as the "Shoe Lady." After retiring, she began her own E Z Travel business, where her many fellow travelers journeyed the state, as well as Oregon, Canada and Mexico, having great adventures. She was regarded as a gracious hostess and tour guide. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, served on the Edmonds Library Board and was the 1979 honored recipient of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Memorial Award. She also served faithfully in many capacities for the American Legion Auxiliary, Frank Freese Post #66, Edmonds. She served as both unit and district presidents before being elected the Dept. of Washington President in 1976. At the time of her passing, Wanda was the oldest living Past Dept. President of that organization.
Of her many accomplishments, the ones she was most pleased by were raising food and money for the local food bank and one summer being the guest "maestro" of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for a noon-time concert. She conducted "The Stars and Stripes Forever" with great enthusiasm and received a rousing standing ovation. She later confessed "it was the most fun she had ever had!"
Wanda Goble Russell was a true Edmonds original. Her life was a long, active and loving one. She will be truly missed by her family and friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Girls State Fund and the Boys State Fund, American Legion Post #66, P.O. BOX 276, Edmonds, WA 98020.
A Rosary will be said on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 Fifth Avenue S in Edmonds. A Graveside Service will take place on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, 205 NE 205th Street in Shoreline with a reception following at Beck's Funeral Home in Edmonds. Please share memories at becksfuneralhome.com.