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Shirley Russell Obituary
Born on March 17, 1935, in Olean, she was the daughter of the late Merton and Grace Kibby Kyser. On Sept. 6, 1958, in St. Mary of the Angels Church, Olean, she married Richard "Dick" Russell, who survives.
Shirley was a graduate of Allegany High School, Class of 1952, and Alfred Ag Tech in 1954. She was chief clerk of family court, Cattaraugus County, from 1968 to 1994 and a volunteer worker at the Heritage Center, Allegany.
She was a member of the former Showers United Methodist Church, Olean. She enjoyed golf and was a member of Pine Acres Golf Club, Bradford, Pa., and the Miles Grant Country Club of Stuart, Fla. Her other hobbies included skiing, boating, gardening and cooking.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Gary (Marianne) Russell of Aurora, Ohio, Michele Russell of Victor and Lawrence (Marilyn) Russell of Decatur, Ga.; three grandchildren, Drew, Molly and Maeve Russell; a brother, Merle Kyser of Sahuarita, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Merton Kyser.
Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 17, 2015) at the Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Funeral and committal services will immediately follow in the funeral home. The Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor of St. Bonaventure Church, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
Memorials may be made to the Allegany Area Historical Association, P.O. Box 162, Allegany, NY 14706.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 20, 2015
Michele, so sorry for your loss. Although I never met your mom she and your dad raised a wonderful person. Sue Lyon
January 17, 2015
dear dick & shelley, just learned tonight of your loss. heartbroken. you both were our favorite couple to play golf with. we both will dearly miss her. joyce & barry stauffer
Joyce Melanson
January 17, 2015
Dear Dick, Shelly, Larry and Gary,
Our family has lost a great treasure. Our love to all of you.
Joyce and Ed Melanson
Fred (and Sharon) Clark
January 16, 2015
Dear Dick, We are so sorry for your loss. Shirley will always be in our hearts. Know that we are thinking of you, Shelley, Gary and Larry.
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Melanie
January 16, 2015
She always made Christmas such an awesome family time and I have so many fun memories from childhood..Remembering making the hard candy, swimming in the pool, going berry picking, watching her cook..I still make her carrot cake.. Such a role model in so many ways and I will miss her dearly. Much love and hugs to you all.
January 15, 2015
Dick, I was very sorry to hear about Shirley, I worked Family court with her, she was a great boss and a great gal...we all loved her.
Marianne Baxter
Apex, NC.
January 15, 2015
Dick so sorry to hear of your loss Anne and Lloyd Bennett from Florida
Ginny (Houston) Espina
January 14, 2015
Gary, Shelley, Larry, and Dick - I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I'll always remember Shirley waving to me from the car and asking if I needed a ride as I peddled my bike or walked up the Two Mile. You are all in our prayers.
Rusty Hardiman
January 14, 2015
Russell family- sorry to hear of the loss of Ms Shirley- she was a wonderful person and full of class. Our thoughts and prayers!
Valerie Konert
January 14, 2015
Dick and i are very sorry to hear this. Our prayers for you and your family for this devastating loss will go up daily! God bless! Val and Dick Konert.
Charlie Clear
January 14, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Emil Joseph
January 14, 2015
Dick we are very sorry to hear about the loss of Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I feel bad that we cannot attend the services as we are in Myrtle Beach. I will be in touch with you when we get home maybe even have a couple of beers together. Emil & Joanne
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1303 E State St, Olean, NY 14760
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