Yvonne June Russell, 91 years of age, passed into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. June was born on August 16, 1931 in Denver, CO. She was the only child of Theodore C. and Blodwyn Messerve. June was born blind and remained blind until her early 20s when surgery corrected her vision. During her youth, June attended a school for the blind and learned to read braille. She was a gifted musician and loved music throughout her life. She played guitar, steel guitar, bass and organ. During her youth, June competed in music contests and won music awards and a scholarship.
June repented of her sins and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her youth. So began her lifelong personal relationship with Jesus. June faithfully served God’s kingdom through her local church. She was an avid student of the Bible, eventually writing a complete Bible commentary. For many years, she served as a Bible teacher to young and old alike, often conducting Bible studies in her home.
In 1957 June met handsome Donald Ray Russell, a navy sailor, at a roller-skating rink. Soon they were dating and married on May 9, 1957. They built a life together and remained married for 44 years until Don’s passing in 2001. They had three children, Barry, Cricket, and Terry.
June was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Blodwyn Messerve, her beloved husband, Donald Ray Russell, half-brother, Leonard Messerve and half-sister, Shirley Haning.
June is survived by her son, Barry Russell (Jenny) of Hot Springs Village, AR; daughter, Cricket Russell of North Las Vegas, NV; son, Terry Russell (Donna) of Springfield, MO; grandsons, Joshua Russell and Paul Russell; six great-grandchildren, Jaydan, Addyson, Rylee, Brooklyn, Wyatt and Watson. A seventh great-grandchild is expected in Fall 2023.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in Zion United Church of Christ Cemetery in Mayview, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
Obituary submitted by family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441