Marti Russell

Margaret Russell

LOVING MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, AND FRIEND

Marti valued her family, her friendships, and living life on her own terms. Throughout her life, she was known for her wit, style, and unmistakable presence; she was never one to be overlooked or underestimated. Surrounded by family, Marti passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Marti was born on June 16, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret (Dick) and William Evans. An only child, Marti built lasting bonds, most especially with her cousin and lifelong friend, Roberta Patterson (Jack).

She graduated from Wylie E. Groves High School in Beverly Hills, Michigan, in 1962 and attended Parsons College in Davenport, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Lin Russell. They married in 1964 and shared a life filled with family, travel, and memorable gatherings.

Marti especially loved traveling to Acapulco, Mexico, spending nearly every year of her adult life there and building friendships that lasted decades. She enjoyed social events and had a talent for making things look effortless. Her knack for hosting was passed down to her daughters. We take comfort in imagining she is somewhere sunny, in flip flops enjoying the breeze.

Marti was preceded in death by her husband, Lin Russell, and her parents, Margaret and William Evans.

Above all, Marti was proud of her family. She was the mother of Lori Schultz (John) and Dana Reimann (Christopher), and the grandmother of Madison Gunnis (David), Bryn Bologna, and McKenna and Cooper Reimann. Her life reflected the value she placed on independence, loyalty, and lasting connections.

Family and friends will gather at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy (between Maple and Big Beaver), on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 3-7 PM. Sharing of Memories will begin at 6PM

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Marti's memory to the Alzheimer's Association by clicking HERE.