Mary Russell

Mary Alice (Kelly) Russell passed away on August 7, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was the daughter of George Patrick Kelly and Mary Agnes (Daly) Kelly, born on April 28, 1929, in Janesville. Lived in Janesville up until World War II, during the war they lived in Elmhurst, Ill., and moved back to Janesville, after the war. She attended Janesville High School graduating with the class of 1949. She married Donald A. Russell on October 8, 1949, at First Lutheran Church in Janesville. They were married for 71 years when Don preceded her in death.

Mary worked for Parker Pen Co., Parish Drug Store, and as a carhop at the Drive-In. She also worked for Fairview, during her employment she hosted a "What's New in the Garden and Gift Shop” radio show on WCLO, and a Shaklee Distributor. After retirement, Mary spent her summers caring for her granddaughters.

Mary was a 4-H member of Consolidated 4-H, later becoming a leader, and she and Don were co-chairs of the Consolidated 4-H Club. She was also instrumental in establishing the art project for the Rock County 4-H fair, which was later adopted statewide. Mary enjoyed sewing, quilting, painting, gardening, bird watching, floral arranging, Becky’s goats, attending Mountain Men era rendezvous and spending time with family. She belonged to First Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, volunteer with the Rock Valley Quilters Guild, Church Circle, Alter Guild, the decorating committee, Roosevelt School Breakfast and served the Lord by visiting homebound church members with service and communion. Other groups included Rotary Gardens, Camden Playground, Neighborhood Card club, Consolidated Homemakers, Rock River Questers, Rock County Extension Homemakers, Luther Valley Quilters, Busy Bees Homemakers, and Neighborhood Quilters. Mary was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rebecca Baird (Larry E.) of Janesville, and Christine Burkett (Dave) of Milton; granddaughters, Dannielle Burkett Cooper (Steve) and Jennifer Anderson; four great grandchildren, Kalli, Hailey, Lane and Evan; one great great granddaughter, Nova; and sister-in-law, Katherine Demrow of Janesville. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, George Patrick Kelly of Janesville. We would like to thank the staff of Agrace Hospice for the care and grace they showed Mary, allowing us to keep her at home till the end of her journey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 612 N. Randall Avenue, Janesville. Rev. James Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be at the CHURCH from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 15th. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to First Lutheran Church, Agrace Hospice or the International Crane Foundation

The Russell family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.