Elizabeth Russell

September 10, 1928 - October 26, 2011

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First Mexican Baptist Church

Saturday 10/29, 11:00 am

Llano Cemetery

Friday 10/28, 4:00 am

Elizabeth 'Liz' Russell from Midland, Texas passed away on October 26, 2011. She was born on September 10, 1928 in Ballinger, Texas the youngest of seven children, to Samuel Clarence Routh and Ora Blanche Wood. Liz was a 1946 graduate of Ballinger High School. She was awarded a band scholarship to Midwestern State University where she also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. Liz married her childhood sweetheart, Jack Russell, on August 11, 1950. Liz enjoyed a variety of interests throughout her 83 years. From her accolades in acting as a young woman during high school and college to her prowess on the tennis courts and golf course, Liz lived life fully. Friends and family enjoyed her sharp mind, quick wit and competitive spirit, whether engaged in a crossword puzzle, a board game, her most recent favorite past time 'Words With Friends' or a game of bridge. Only weeks ago, Liz bid and made a Grand Slam to her great delight.All who knew her loved her home cooked meals, especially her amazing pie crust. Without question, Liz's greatest joy was the time she spent with her family whom she dearly loved. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.Liz was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Jack Russell, her mother, father, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by three daughters Kathy Schmidt and her husband Fred, Debbie Neujahr and her husband Stan and Lana Russell. She was affectionately known as Bibba to seven grandchildren, Byron Schmidt and his wife Sharon, Dawn Tomlin and her husband T.J., Jeni Anderson and her husband John, Amy Anderson and her husband Dave, Keri Neujahr, Emily Berry and her husband Brian and Russell Booth and his wife Tawney. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Delaney, Landon and Blakely Schmidt, Taylor and Tristan Tomlin, Eliza Berry and Evelyn Anderson. Other survivors include her sisters, Katherine Metz and Margaret Rucker and many nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 1:30-2:30 pm at the funeral home to be followed by a family graveside service at 3:00 pm at Resthaven Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church. Pallbearers will be Fred Schmidt, Stan Neujahr, Byron Schmidt, Russell Booth, John Anderson, Dave Anderson, Brian Berry, and T.J.Tomlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmie Parker, Joe Liberty, Roger Stephenson, Trey Robbins F.H. Buzz Mills, Bob Northington, Dal Davis, Jess Parrish, Jeff Hewett, Stan Hall, and John Skees.,

First Mexican Baptist Church

Saturday 10/29, 11:00 am

Llano Cemetery

Friday 10/28, 4:00 am

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Our prayers are with you and your family, Lana. Mark and I both take comfort in the fact that we will see our fathers again. I hope that is a comfort to you. God bless you. Mark & Diane Ochs

Dear Kathy, Debbie, Lana, and Families, I am so sorry about the loss of Liz. We all lost a very special person. I have known Liz for over 63 years, having shared the same dorm at Midwestern State University, then living in Midland ,where Elvin and Jack coached for several years. We have continued to visit at the MSU Homecomings, in Austin and Midland, and at the many wonderful gatherings at the Horseshoe Bay home. My sincere sympathy to each of you and your families Reta Kays

Liz set the example for grace and dignity in such a loving and giving manner. She enriched our lives with her wit and wisdom that she shared with friends and family alike. I am so blessed to have know her as the great-grandmother of my three sweet grandbabies. She welcomed me into her heart the minute my son-in-law introduced me to his beloved Bibba. I grew to love her so very much during the past years as we laughed and shared grand baby and family memories. My life is forever changed for having known her. I will honor her memory as I tell her story to our shared babies.

When Liz, Rosemary (Manns) Davis, and Margaret (Chambers) Alexander were roommates in a corner room at Hardin College (MSU), I was already married to C.B."Sassy" Crenshaw. We were both students and when he went out of town with the basketball or football team, I spent many nights with the girls. Then years later, we met again at the homecoming fish fry and Ex-Lettermens breakfast. We always looked forward to those "once a year" meetings with the "forties" bunch including Jack and Liz. My deepest sympathy to you. Your loss is also the loss of their many friends.

We loved Liz ever since first grade in Ballinger, where we were reared with her & Jack playing in the band and on the football field. Jackie & Lizzie were a wonderful couple who figured prominently in our lives. We send our loving sympathy to Kathy, Debbie & Lana and pray for them and their families for comfort and understanding now and in the coming weeks. May our loving God bless & keep the family & friends of Elizabeth.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Debbie, Kathy, and Lana, My love and deepest sympathy to each of you and your families on the loss of your Mom. What fond memories I have of growing up at your house! Your folks were like a second set of parents to me....Your Mom was such a lady. She was always fun to be around, even when Debbie & I were in trouble! I'm so very happy that I was able to visit with her this summer when I was in Midland for our high school reunion...She hadn't changed one bit! She will be truly missed by all that knew her. You all continue to be my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you. Love, Melissa

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.