Kathleen “Kay” Russell
Kathleen Russell, 83, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at The Willows of Marshalltown. Cremation rites have been accorded and the family is planning a memorial for next spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grimes Farm Nature Center or other nature conservancy. Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Kay was born April 3, 1941, to Minnie and George Smith in rural Grundy County, Iowa. She graduated from Beaman-Conrad high school in 1959. She worked in the office at Fisher Governor two years, then was a stay-at-home mother. In later years, she was a nurses’ aid at Westwood Care Center and Iowa Veterans Home. In retirement she sewed many quilts and comforters for charitable giving.
Her family remembers her genuine curiosity about the world and her desire to learn more. She and her husband, Charles, enjoyed birdwatching and shared an appreciation of the natural world, including stewarding their small farm in Chelsea, Iowa for many years.
She leaves behind daughter Roberta (Rick Paulsen), granddaughter Paige (Lucas Proctor). Also siblings Helen Fiscus and brother George Smith. She was preceded in death by husband Charles Russell (2014, married 53 years), her parents, sister Nina Harrington, and nephew Duane Harrington.