Edith Ellene Thompson Russell, 90, of Big Spring, died on Friday, December 29, 2006, in a local hospital. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at Trinity Memorial Park, with Rev. Jim Wright, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church officiating.The family will receive friends from 5 PM to 6:30 PM Monday at the funeral home.She was born on October 2, 1916, in Bosque County, Texas, and married George Russell on July 16, 1949, in Brownwood, Texas. He preceeded her in death on December 8, 1984. Mrs. Russell was an educator and graduated from North Texas University with a degree in Home Economics. She taught in schools across Texas, including Big Spring where she began teaching in 1946. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother. She took great pride in keeping her home, cooking and raising her girls and taking them to gymnastic meets. She loved to read and sew. She was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for a number of years prior to her death.Survivors include two daughters, Susan and husband Clark Lowery of Big Spring, and Ruth and husband Bob Seiwell of Lake Jackson, three sisters, Dorothy and husband Don Lewis of Burkburnette, Mildred and husband Jay Reeves of Bangs, and Jo Lockett of Brownwood, and sister-in-law Loreta Thompson of Brady. She is also survived by six beloved grandchildren, Erin Lillian of Lake Jackson, Craig Seiwell of Galveston, Ashley Rains of Austin, Alyssa Rains of Big Spring, C. J. and Mitchell Lowery of Lubbock , five great grandchildren, Tristan, Kayli, Kori, Brandon and Cody, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also preceeding Mrs. Russell in death were her parents, Blue and Lula Thompson, sister Ruth Gladine Thompson and brother Ezelle Thompson. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,
