Russell Earl Milleson

Russell Earl Milleson
Date Of Birth: 03/30/1951
Date of Death: 07/09/2025
Russell "Rusty" Milleson, 74, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by his friends and family.
Rusty was born in Tacoma, Washington to the late Loretta "Pat" Milleson and the late Earle Merkle on March 30, 1951. Rusty moved to Trout Creek, Montana in 1985 and built the Blue Spruce Lodge, where he hosted guests from across the globe and provided adventures for those with disabilities. He met the love of his life, Karen, in 1990 and they married in 1991.
Rusty and Karen moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 1999. To continue his building adventures, he designed and constructed multiple residential properties in Banderas Bay. They raised their youngest daughter, Kati, in Mexico, before moving to Portland, Oregon in 2013 to be closer to family.
Rusty and Karen traveled the world together, including multiple road trips across the country, vacations to Australia, South Africa, and all across western Europe. He was an incredible cook with a passion for making sourdough pancakes and hundreds of Christmas cookies every December. He was an avid cribbage player and loved the occasional whisky and cigar. He leaves behind his loving wife Karen, daughters Deonne (David) Knill and Katelyn (Jorge) Milleson, and four grandchildren: Devlin, Kailynn, Mauro, and Abigail.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection (EIN: 81-1037564). Rusty and his family have a special connection and fondness for this group. They are a non-profit in Portland, Oregon and provide incredible support throughout the Willamette Valley.