Marilyn Russell

1929 - 2014

Marilyn Elaine Russell, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. She has joined her beloved husband Clayton, rejoicing in Heaven with their Lord. Marilyn was born in 1929 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John and Henrietta (Smit) Medema. In 1947, she married the love of her life, Clayton Russell, and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. After starting their family in Kalamazoo, they moved to Western Springs, Illinois in 1966 where they spent the next 27 years. Her primary focus was being a homemaker; her pies and baked goods were legendary! Marilyn also worked at the Can Do Shop in Oak Brook and The Monogram Shop in Hinsdale, doing custom machine embroidery. She was especially proud of making some pieces for the Apollo XI astronauts. Their thank-you letter is among her cherished possessions. An accomplished seamstress, she took great pride in creating outfits for herself and her girls. After retiring, Marilyn and Clayton moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and Anna Maria Island, Florida. They loved to travel -- frequently visiting the actual lighthouses that she enjoyed collecting. But her greatest legacy will be her love of God, her love of family and her cheerful spirit. Despite years of chronic pain, she never complained. Marilyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Herm and Bernie Medema, sister, Janet Horton and granddaughter, Lark Van Assen. She is survived by her children, Karen (Wayne) Vogel, Phyllis Russell, Lisa (Greg) Van Assen and Todd (Julie) Russell; her grandchildren: David Vogel, Keith (Katie) Vogel, Tara (Bob) Rendulic, Amanda and Madeline Van Assen and Clayton and Rachel Russell; and great grandchildren: Kyle, Jordan, Seth, and Lauren Vogel, Quinn and Corbin Vogel and Joey Rendulic. Marilyn is also survived by her brothers John Medema, Paul (Irene) Medema, and Ken (Karen) Medema. She is also remembered with joy by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 7 at 1 p.m. at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids with a private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral chapel Tuesday, January 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Christian school of your choice or Faith Hospice.