Wauneta "Neta" B. Russell

Wauneta “Neta” B. Russell, passed peacefully away on her 88th birthday, October 14, 2024 at Reflections Memory Care in Battle Creek with her loving family at her side.

In 1936 she was born in Quincy, Michigan to Leo and Geraldine (Smith) Knapp. Growing up on a farm with 7 siblings, Wauneta helped with chores and watching after her 5 other siblings.

Inspired by her talented daddy, Wauneta loved music! With the money she earned from selling a steer she raised, she was able to purchase her beloved accordion. She was a natural, accompanying her daddy’s fiddle and banjo at the local dances. Wauneta wasn’t afraid of hard work and took to her school studies. This led her to graduate a year earlier than others her age from Coldwater High School in 1953. She then pursued a nursing career working and learning how to care for patients at Coldwater Hospital.

While attending a dance, she met the handsome boy everybody called Junior. From then on, the two were inseparable. Wauneta Bell and Earl O. Russell Jr. were pronounced man and wife on January 28, 1956 in Burlington, Michigan.

While taking care of a newborn and three other toddlers on their small farm in Bedford, she supported her husband in starting the family business known as Russell’s Country Store in 1961, which is still operated by her family today. Later she and Earl welcomed a 5th child. Wauneta devoted herself to her children and husband, having fun with her music, square dancing with Earl and family vacations. She along with Earl enjoyed being a member at the Silver Spur Riders Club, the Battle Creek Pony Association, Marshall Moose Lodge, the Model A Ford Museum at Gilmores and the Crank and Throttle Club of Olivet. Helping with their draft horses, they participated for several years in the Prairieville Farm Days and with showing at the county fair.

Some of Wauneta’s favorite times were camping at Tri-Lake Trails Campground, wintering in Florida and spending time with family and friends.

Wauneta is survived by her children, Cindy (Ron) Bowman of Battle Creek, Rick (Mary) Russell of Marshall, Judy Russell of Marshall, Sharon Russell of Battle Creek and Earl “Bumper” (Noel) Russell of Bellevue, her 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and her brothers’ Nelson (Gail) Knapp of Girard and Charles (Susie) Knapp of Girard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl, her daughter Cathleen, her grandson Tyler Rapp, her siblings, Barbara Dodge, Lowell Knapp, Waunda Robinson, Leon Knapp and Beverly Knapp.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Wauneta’s grandson Pastor Josh Maurer, officiating. Burial will follow at Lyon Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.