Russell Lee Albaugh

1950 - 2021

Russell Lee Albaugh

Deming - Russell Lee Albaugh, age 70 passed away peacefully on January 29,2021 at Lovelace hospital in Albuquerque, NM due to complications from COVID-19.

Russ was born July 28,1950 in a small town Dell Rapids SD to James and Emma Jean Albaugh.

Russ lived an eventful life and was always known as a "jack of all trades" he started working on his grandma's farm at a young age, moved onto rodeoing and working on several cattle ranches. He loved to ride bare bronc and was always up for the next adventure. Eventually he moved on to logging trees then driving truck across the Western United States. This led him to the career that most of us were use to seeing him do - operating heavy equipment and working construction. He did this for over 45 years and was one of the best out there. Russ was always known as "the man for the job" he was always striving to learn more and do his very best in everything he did.

He was more than just a worker, he was a teacher. If ever anyone had a question or wanted to learn how to do something he would take the time to teach them. He believed in leaving people with life skills rather than just doing it for them. He would often say "one day I won't be here to do this for you so I want to make sure you learn now."

In his downtime Russ enjoyed prospecting for gold, hunting and fishing and perfecting smoking meat. In recent years he became very interested in smoking meat and would try out several recipes then share the wealth with his friends and family. He found joy in bringing others happiness and had a sense of humor like no other.

Of all the things that Russ was, the thing he did the very best was being a father. Although he wasn't there for all of his children their whole life, he made sure to be the best dad he could be when his children needed him the most. From birth children to step to adoptive he made every minute count while he had the chance.

Russ is survived by his wife Susan Albaugh, his father James Albaugh, his siblings Judy, Richard, Ronald, Roger, and Joy Etta, his children Veronica & Kirk Otero, Victoria, Justin Jones, Jimmy Jones, Kristy & Mike Cox, Misty & Michael Mahannah, Kalyn & Jason Patterson and Emili Jones. He leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Jean Albaugh and sons Rusty Albaugh and Dustin Glover.

Services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Deming First Assembly of God, this will be a closed service due to COVID-19.