Josephine Helen Russell

RUSSELL, Josephine Helen - Jo passed away on the afternoon of the 16th of March, 2007; she was 88 years old and the widow of Max M. Russell. Born in Kansas in 1918, where she grew up and met her husband Max. They moved to California before World War II and raised their two Sons, Stephen and Brent. Jo moved from southern California to Santa Rosa in 1984 to enjoy the beauty of the region. She loved trips through the hills to St. Helena and Calistoga or over to Bodega Bay. Jo loved to stop along the way to taste unusual jams, jellies, and fresh fruits to share with her friends. Jo was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she volunteered in the Church Office. She was a proud member of the P.E.O. Woman's Group, a philanthropic organization to help women achieve educational goals through grants, scholarships, awards, and loans. Jo was widowed from Max in 2003, after 66 years of marriage and continued to live a robust life style until her death. She was blessed to have passed in her sleep under the warmth of the sun. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Montgomery Drive on Thursday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m. Her Sons, Stephen and Brent, have arranged the memorial service to celebrate their Mother's life with her beloved friends. The memorial service will be followed by a casual get-together for all to enjoy and share memories.