Judy Russell

Long time Milton, Wash. resident, Judy Russell died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Nov. 28, 2014, following a long illness.

Judith Mae Russell was born May 22, 1943, in Sacramento, Calif. to Winifred and Virginia Stubbs McAllister. She lived in the Flathead Valley through most of her early adult years and Libby, where she was widowed with two small children in 1971. In 1974, she moved to St. Maries, Idaho, where she finished raising her children. Judy then relocated to the Puget Sound in 1988.

Through the years, Judy used her many diverse talents in various jobs with the school service, home health care, rural mail delivery route, remodeling and decorating houses. She most enjoyed her career in real estate, holding licenses in both Idaho and Washington.

Judy adored her family, was an avid gardener, loved cooking — especially fresh seafood harvested with her husband Richard — and was known for her amazing pies. An artist at heart, she created countless beautiful things by sewing, needlework and painting.

A curious person, she was always seeking knowledge in a vast array of subjects through her voracious reading. A nature lover until her health prevented it, she vigorously enjoyed the outdoors, beach combing, camping, swimming and horseback riding.

It seemed she was always nursing a wounded bird or other small animal. Above all, she was a nurturer and had genuine empathy for others. Her sincere compassion showed in work with various charitable organizations and her special way of constantly caring for those in need, even throughout her own illness.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers Don, John, Winifred Jr, and Lionel; sister Linda Sturz; and first husband Leo Johnson.

She is survived by her wonderful loving husband of 27 years, Richard Russell, of Milton; daughter Audrey van der Velde and husband Arthur, of Tacoma, Wash.; son Greg Johnson, wife Tina and grandsons Troy and Wyatt, of Forks Wash.; stepdaughter Robin Johnson-Pease, of Yuma, Ariz., stepdaughter Tammy Fauley, of Long Beach, Wash.; stepson Chuck Fauley, of Columbia Falls; former husband Howard Fauley, of St. Maries, Idaho; grandchildren Kyle and Kaitlyn vanderVelde; sisters Vera Ranem, of Minneapolis, Pat Goodsell, of Kalispell, and Ginny Kengerski, of Kalispell; and brother Stan McAllister, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

A private gathering is planned for the family to celebrate Judy’s life, as her final wishes were “Celebrate my precious life, Please don’t mourn my death.”

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any tributes be made to the Tacoma Rescue Mission, online at www.rescue-mission.org/ecards.