From: Carl McMinimy [mcchatter@comcast.net]

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 2:07 PM

Subject: Susan's Obit Will Appear Tomorrow

Published in Spokesman-Review from December 20 to December 21, 2009

Susan Russell



Susan Jane Russell 1/15/51 -12/16/09

After six and a half years, Susan finished what she called her “wimpy fight” with cancer. A dear friend to many of us and a charter member of  Colbert Presbyterian Church. Susan completed her baptism through death.  Simultaneously, she became an heir to eternal life.  There is much to grieve and much to celebrate at such a time as this. What Cancer Cannot Do , It cannot ... invade the soul, suppress memories, kill friendship, destroy peace, conquer the spirit, shatter hope, cripple love, corrode faith, steal eternal life, or silence courage. Meeting her in heaven are many Russell family members. These include her father David, mother Dorothy, step-mother Janet and her grandfather, Dwight (the church builder). She will be waiting to be joined by her husband Carl, sister and brother-in-law Margie and Frank, and her sister Kathleen. Susan loved being with her nieces and nephews and buying gifts for them and their children all around the world throughout the year. She loved her Great Pyrenees and every stray cat that came down the road.  She enjoyed talking about her time at Willamette and her year abroad in Heidelberg with the University of Washington. She attended her 40th reunion from Shadle Park High School this summer and was able to be with friends from the days when she was a Lilac Princess. Susan enjoyed and loved the people she met at the Ataxia, Dystonia and Cancer Support Groups. They were very special friends that shared their frustrations and their love with her and each other. This spring she will be with us when we run Bloomsday for the 32 time. She was looking forward to being with life long friends at the reunion of Yellowstone Park employees and to the Russell family reunion this coming year. A life well lived with commitment to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs of Yakima and Spokane Counties and the national RSVP board, New Hope Resources Center and its board and her church family at Colbert Presbyterian where she loved to sing and meet with the Women’s Bible Study, the Wednesday Prayer Group, Sarah’s Circle and the time she served as an Elder. We will all miss her leadership, her smile and her compassion. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23rd at 2:00 at the church.  A reception, hosted by the deacons, will follow.  Memorials can be sent in her name to the New Hope Resources Center, 4211 E. Colbert Rd. Colbert, WA 99005

Grace and peace