Dolores C. Russell, 91, formerly of Marshall passed peacefully into heaven on Sept. 30, 2020. She had long awaited meeting the Lord, and having a joyous reunion with family members that preceded her.
She was born Dec. 14,1928, at Mishawaka, to Claren Clark and Ruby(Mayes) Clark. In her middle school years, the family moved to Rockville where she graduated from Rockville High School in 1946.
Dolores was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was also a long-time member of the Marshall Federated Church and Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. Dolores loved trying new things to challenge her skills and entrepreneurial spirit. She and her husband, JC, bought a farm near Bloomingdale after his time in the service, and later started an excavation business. She also operated the Turkey Run commissary for several years.
Dolores had a passion for painting and enjoyed other artistic endeavors. They would travel the Midwest going to art shows, and displaying her work in venues like the Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Winters would take her to Texas with JC and their two dogs, Dude and Misty, where they wintered for 40 years. While living in McAllen, Texas, she would conduct art lessons for residents of the retirement village. She also started the Country Art Center where she taught painting lessons and framed others’ artwork. Dolores also loved to make porcelain dolls, paint and clothe them.
She and her husband also designed and constructed Parke Mobile Estates, a mobile home park in Rockville.
Dolores also loved greyhounds and greyhound racing. At one time she owned more than 60 dogs, and raced them throughout the South at tracks in West Virginia, Alabama, Florida and Texas. She became nationally recognized in the racing community to have a special ability to pick winning dogs. She was most proud of the efforts she made to have these dogs cared for during their racing years and finding them good homes when she retired them.
Dolores is survived by son Dr. Larry (Donna) Russell of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren, Brad Russell, Alyson Russell, Ross McCampbell, Dr. Ryan (Emelie) Russell, Natalie Russell Fields, Erin Hudson Colburn and (Greg) and Jason Hudson; and son-in-law Mark Hudson. She also enjoyed four great-grandsons, Felix and Axel Russell and Levi and Nathan Colburn and a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Colburn.
She is preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Bobby Clark; husband JC Russell; and two children, Joe Russell and Kathy Russell Hudson. Her wish was to be buried with a small bouquet of daffodils that her 10-year-old son picked her the day before he was killed in an auto accident. She kept that vase of flowers near her since 1972.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Marshall Federated Church, 105 N. Main St., Marshall, with Pastor Brian Holt officiating. Burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery, Marshall. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
