Rita Russell Obituary
Rita B. Russell passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born March 22, 1935, in Tickfaw, Louisiana to Carlo Bonura and Sarah Cocharro Bonura. She was a graduate of Istrouma High School. At the age of 19, Rita began her decades long career as a hairdresser – retiring at 80 years young!
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 67 years, Edward R. Russell; their daughter, Lisa Diane Russell; her sister Linda Carruth; and her brother Carlo Bonura.
Rita is survived by her devoted son Donald R. Russell and his wife Karen Calamia Russell; her beloved grandchildren Lauren Russell Ladner and her husband Todd, and Sam Russell; and her great-grandchildren Lincoln Ladner and Quinn Ladner. She is also survived by her sister Mary B. Parrino and her brother Ray Bonura; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.
The family would like to acknowledge her longtime caregiver, Claudette Ashworth, owner of Little Bits Home Care and their dedicated staff.
Rita was a parishioner at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church. She was an avid bowler, and she and Edward enjoyed countless vacations, including a trip to Italy! In the last few years, her passion for birdwatching flourished and was embraced by her family, neighbors and caregivers – which often resulted in numerous trips a week for birdseed to fill her many birdfeeders, and a huge population of aviary companions visiting her home daily!
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, 16166 South Harrells Ferry Road in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.
Honoring Rita as pallbearers are Rob Klemm, Brent Orillion, Todd Ladner, Dennis Parrino, Sam Russell, and Bruce Holden.
For those so desiring, masses are preferred in honor of Rita B. Russell.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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