Ellen "Joyce" Russell

Ellen Joyce Russell E "Joyce" Russell, age 84, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Morningside Center after a long battle with stroke-induced dementia. Joyce was born the daughter of Thaddeus Alexander and Ellen America Davidson on October 29, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest of six children. Her father died when she was a toddler and as the great depression began her mother, a petite and feisty woman, provided for her family by operating a diner in Dodge City, Kansas, the town in which Joyce grew up. On August 27, 1949, Joyce married C.L. "Bud" Russell. They moved to Chillicothe soon thereafter and remained married for 29 years. For most of her life, Joyce was a "working mom" rarely daunted by a challenge and always eager to learn new skills. Over the years she worked as a telephone operator, a bookkeeper, and a retail store manager. Her favorite occupation though was as a dental assistant in the office of Dr. Chad McCoy. During her two decades there many patients said they liked going to the dentist partly because Joyce made them happy with her funny stories, jokes, and welcoming smile. Even with a job and young family she made time to volunteer. When her daughters were in Brownie or Girl Scout troops she was one of the moms who could always be counted on to serve as an adult leader. As an avid seamstress she found constant pleasure in making beautiful clothes for family members and friends. Her favorite sports were swimming and scuba diving. She was adamant her children learn water safety along with an appreciation for water sports. The family spent many summers evenings and weekends at Missouri lakes - picnicking, swimming and skiing. Almost everyone who knew Joyce was an occasional beneficiary of her enthusiasm for cooking. She was a creative cook and baker who liked to share as much as people liked receiving her homemade gifts. She is survived by three daughters, Shelly Russell Mehrhoff and husband Dave of Chula, Missouri, Diane Russell Stubbs and husband Jim of Kansas City, Missouri, and Vicki Russell and husband Hank Waters of Columbia, Missouri. A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chillicothe Boys and/or Girl Scouts and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindeyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.