Myrtle Elisabeth Russell

Myrtle Elisabeth “Liz” Russell August 21, 1937 - February 10, 2021 Liz, aka "Mom", aka "Aunt Liz" took her last breath the morning of February 10, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents Bob and June Campbell, her younger sister Elaine Dunlap, and her husband David Russell, 5 nieces and nephews and several cousins. She is survived by her children Mike (Cindy), Shelly (Sam) and Scott, her grandchildren John, George, Ethan and Chloe, and 24 nieces and nephews, 55 grand nieces and nephews and 16 great grand nieces and nephews and many cousins. We feel a sense of loss at heaven’s gain. She is now waltzing again with Papa. Liz met her husband at Purdue. Her girlfriends talked her into asking David to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He was pretty much hooked after that. She was an active thespian during her school years and people enjoyed watching her perform. Liz enjoyed attending many reunions of Columbian High School and Purdue University. Many visits with friends and family were included in these travel plans. Liz enjoyed playing games. In fact, she was playing dominoes just Sunday night, and like a true Russell, the competition was on. Liz also enjoyed board games and cards games like 31, golf, "Oh-heck", hearts, spades and bridge. Dave and Liz had hours and hours of time at the bridge tables. Liz spent many years active in her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, doing service projects. One project was building picnic tables for and with the kids at Boy’s Country. Liz loved to cook and was wonderful at it. She often made home-cooked meals for David’s Customers of Dow Chemical. Many preferred to go home with him for dinner and maybe a game of cards over going to a restaurant. She also baked snacks for social events and square dances. Liz Also enjoyed Genealogy. They went and visited many libraries. Francis Scott Key is her Great Great Great Great Grandmothers Uncle. Liz and Dave were avid square dancers. They were elected Dancers of the Year in 2001. They served 5 years on the board of the Houston Square and Round Dance Council, working their way up to the position of Presidents the 5th year. That year, they attended 328 square dances! They also served three years as photographers for the Texas State Federation of Square and Round Dancers. They helped several teen dancers in achieving their educational goals, helping with teen scholarship fundraisers. Thirty-one years after they became active in this, their grandson George was one of six recipients in 2019. Liz enjoyed activities with her children. She was active in their Girl and Boy Scout troops. Dave and Liz shared their love of the outdoors with their family. Even after scooter-bound, Liz was eager to join family and friends camping in the state parks, and was ready to roll up to the picnic table and prep food for the campfire. She always made her children’s friends feel like part of the family and they all caller her Mom. Liz thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and attending their activities. She said Ethan took over the job of hugger after Papa’s passing. She said he hugged just like Papa. A popular family thing was to call “Group Hug” and everyone would pile on Grandma (Liz), while remaining standing, with her in the middle. We will truly miss that infectious giggle that emanated from the center of our group hug! In the square dance world she loved, “Yellow Rock” means hug your corner, which is the person next to you. Share a hug in her memory.