Mary Elizabeth Russell

Mary Elizabeth Baken Russell, 87, of Lake City, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Haven Hospice, surrounded by her loving family and church family. Known affectionately as "Betty" or simply "Granny," she had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, loved, and at home.
Born April 9, 1938, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, she was the daughter of B.A. Roy and Edith Stockdale Baken, where they moved to Florida when Betty was a child. She later married the love of her life, Ralph Chester Russell, with whom she shared a beautiful life of farming, raising a family, and opening their home to foster children. She worked as a seamstress and caregiver, always putting her heart into serving others.
A faithful member of First Apostolic Church since 1971, Betty poured herself into her church family, cooking, fundraising, singing, and lending her joyful spirit wherever it was needed. She will be remembered for her sweet treats, her adventurous spirit, and the countless ways she gave of herself to others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; her son, Chester; her daughter, Elizabeth Ann; and three brothers Larry, Carl and Al Baken. She is survived by her sisters, Ethel (Nick)Nichols and Marie (James)Lewis; her children Debbie (Gaylon) McEntire, Katherine Waters, Twanda (Al) Royal, Edith Russell (caregiver), and Jeffery Russell; and her grandchildren Tim (Macey) Royal, Amy (Austin) Kazmierski, Lauretta (Chris) Kick, Jason (Keisha) Shaw, Mark (Tasha) Molasso, Leslie (Zach) McEntire-Kabler, and Logan Russell. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Her lifelong sisters and friends: Linda Hall, Jennell Adams, and Christine Gilliam.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the home of Chad and Claire Townsend (3379 SE CR 245, Lake City, FL). Her family takes comfort in knowing she fought her fight and finished her course with grace, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and joy.