Ouita K. Russell

Ouita Russell, 96, of Haslett and formerly of Mt. Pleasant passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, at Brookdale Meridian in Haslett. Mrs. Russell was born Dec. 26, 1918, in Tulsa, OK, daughter of the late Clarence F. and Hattie M. (Henson) Knollenberg. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she worked for Franks Manufacturing in Tulsa as Assistant to the President. On May 4, 1945, she married Dean B. Russell after his war service. They moved to Michigan, first to Prudenville and then to Mt. Pleasant. From that union came three children whom survive: Allen F. (Robin) Russell of Haslett, James E. (Terri) Russell of Stevensville, and Linda K. Rogers of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. After her three children were grown, she enjoyed ten years of employment at Central Michigan University, first at the library and later in the Biology department. Mrs. Russell was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, active for many years with the Mt. Pleasant County Club and Zonta Club (serving as past president), as well as several charitable organizations. Her greatest joy was raising her family and the many activities and travels they shared. Mrs. Russell was preceded in death by her husband, Dean in 2011, after 65 wonderful years together; sister, Lillian King; and brother Clarence Bud Knollenberg. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., with Pastor Kyle Brown of Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant Scholarship Fund through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.