Iris Evelyn Brown Russell

1927 - 2014

At 86 years of age, Mom "slipped the surly bonds of earth" on Saturday February 22nd 2014, and joined her 2 brothers, 2 sisters, parents and husband of 51 years. She left behind 2 daughters and 2 sons: Paula and Laur Barker of Farmington, Utah, Rana and Charlie Strasser of Meridian, Kirk Russell of Boise and Shane and Linda Russell of Meridian. She loved her 10 grandsons and 5 granddaughters and was also blessed with 22 great grandchildren. They will miss her.
She was the last child to join the Roy Edward and Bernetta Bell Brown Family on October 19th 1927 in Ogden, Utah where she played in the pear orchards with her dog Rex, attended elementary school and Jr. High at Mound Fort and graduated from Ogden High in 1945. She caught the eye of redheaded Calvin George Harold Russell, and they were married on June 11th 1947 in the living room of her parents' home. In June of 1973 they were sealed together for eternity in the Ogden, Utah LDS Temple.
She was blessed to be able to remain in her home to teach her children to work and be honest and moral. She taught them to pray and trust in their Heavenly Father. She loved to play card games with them and attended every choir program, recital, soccer game and school function. We could count on her. She cooked some wonderful meals and would sing while she did the dishes.
She had many hobbies and met many wonderful friends as a result. Bridge was a passion, and she bowled into her 80's. The Cartoonist League was her 2nd home and the gals on the "Born Losers" team were her 2nd family. She served for many years on the board of the Officers' Wives' Club.
She loved cats, parakeets, feeding squirrels and a little Pug named Skoshi. She crocheted and cross stitched, watched Jeopardy and did crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Her home was immaculate and she loved keeping it that way.
She accompanied her military husband around the world and lived in California, Texas, France and South Carolina. Iris bloomed wherever she was planted!
Her life will be remembered at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 15th at the LDS Chapel at 2555 Stoddard Rd in Meridian. The family will greet visitors between 12:15 and 12:45 pm prior to the service. Bishop Doug Simpson will conduct the services and burial will follow at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens.