Mary Louise Russell

Mary Louise Russell passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on March 23, 2024 Mary was born in Key West, Florida on February 21, 1925, to Mary and Leland Sawyer. She is survived by her eldest son Warren Russell, and is predeceased by her loving son, Steven Ryan Russell, and her husband of 49 years, Warren "Coasty” Russell. 

Mary was devoted to her Key West community, serving as an active member of the Old Stone Church in Key West. She and her sisters, Joan and Lillian, assisted with Vacation Bible School, folding bulletins, and preparing Easter cross with ferns for Easter. 

Mary transitioned to Umatilla to live with her son and daughter-in-law in 2011. She was also a very active member of the Umatilla Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She rarely missed the opportunity to participate in Tuesday activities at Hilltop Community Center where she made many loving and caring friends. She was a "Bag Lady" for the food pantry for 10 years and crocheted many lap blankets for local area nursing homes.

Mary loved life in Key West and on the ocean and BBOs at her house on Geiger Key. We all have many wonderful memories of our visits with her on Geiger Key. Mary loved children and enjoyed it when grandkids would visit with her. She attended church services weekly. And, of course, her hair was always perfectly coiffed. 

Mary is predeceased by all her siblings, Florence, Joan, Lillian, and Ernest. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren, who will always remember her as a loving, gracious and irreplaceable member of the family. 

Mary was attended to, following her bout with Covid, by Beverly and Rachel. Special thanks to Pastor Rob, Elder Bob and her loving fellow church members who were faithful to pray and visit with her. 

Interment will take place on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Ponceannah Cemetery, 23813 CR 42, Paisley, FL 32767 at 11 AM. Memorial service followed by light luncheon will take place on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 12:30 PM at the Umatilla Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1400 N. Central Avenue, Umatilla, FL 32784. 

Online guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, FL.