Mary Ellen Russell

MARY ELLEN RUSSELL Mary Ellen Russell, 79, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025. She was born April 13, 1946, in St. Joseph to Austin and Ellen (Terhune) Miller. Mary Ellen graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1964, then earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Northwest Missouri State University. She later earned her master's degree in library science at Central Missouri State University. Mary Ellen married Donald M. Russell on December 29, 1968. They shared 41 years of love and adventures before he preceded her in death on December 1, 2009. She began her teaching career in the North Kansas City, Missouri, Public School District, before she and Donald moved to Rolla, Missouri. In Rolla, she was a teacher for a few years before the family moved to Hawaii for Donald's career. After three years of island life, Mary Ellen and Donald returned to Rolla, where Mary Ellen opened the Rolla Middle School Library in 1978 and was librarian there until her retirement. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood as well as the Mark Twain Readers Award Committee, serving a term as chair. Mary Ellen enjoyed cross-stitch and craft painting, and in her later years, expressed her art in pen-and-ink drawings. Mary Ellen treasured her time with family, especially at family reunions. She loved all of her children, but her grandchildren were her world. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; and her grandson, Andrew Maurice Russell. Survivors include her children, Robert Russell (Laura) and Carolyn Arnold (Jeff); grandchildren, Jack Arnold, Ainsley Arnold, and Beatrice Russell; sister, Shirley Griffith (Steve); numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and friends. Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 6, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to Champions of Rolla Education (https://www.rolla31.org/49976_3) or the Missouri Association of School Librarians (https://maslonline.org/award/mark-twain-award/). Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.