Bethany, MO: Joyce Elaine (Doolittle) Russell, 60, Bethany, MO passed away at her home in the loving arms of her family. Joyce fought a long battle with cancer. She was a warrior and never gave up.
Joyce was born on February 4, 1961 in Clarion, Iowa to George Artie and Viola Marie (Dingman) Doolittle. Joyce attended school in Ridgeway, MO. She graduated high school in Jamesport, MO. Joyce had 6 siblings and grew up on a farm outside Ridgeway, MO. She had many memories of growing up on the farm. She enjoyed her horse, Brownie and pet pig named, Arnold.
Joyce was a Christian. Joyce filled her heart with joy from the Lord. She was a member of the Oakland Christian Church.
On June 12, 1978, she married the love of her life, Robert Russell. They enjoyed 43 years together. Robert and Joyce lived in Bethany most of their marriage. They had 3 children, a set of twins and a son. Joyce loved her children very much. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Joyce enjoyed watching them grow up.
Joyce was a loving and caring soul. She was a true friend to many who blessed her path in life. Joyce worked many years as C.N.A. One of her greatest passions in life was caring for others, especially the elderly. She had such a vast knowledge of therapy with them. Joyce worked at a few nursing homes. She began working at Sunnyview in Trenton, MO and later at Crestview Nursing Home. Her home, as she called it, was at Bethany Care Center where she was blessed to care for many residents there. Joyce was always dedicated to the residents and her coworkers. Joyce worked at Toot-Toot Family Restaurant for a time and made many friends there. Joyce was always a hard worker and was always willing to help anyone she could.
Joyce had many passions in her life. She loved to be with her family. She especially enjoyed riding the motorcycle with her husband. They often went to Sturgis in the summer. She loved to work beside dad doing things outside. One of her favorite things was tending to her lily garden and feeding the hummingbirds. She loved to sit at the picnic table in the evenings and visit. Joyce loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Joyce was a good cook and enjoyed baking. Joyce was an animal lover. Robert and Joyce raised St. Bernard dogs for many years. She also had a pet parrot named Jack.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jeremie Wayne Russell; brothers, Truman, Frank, and Artie Doolittle; sister, Arlene Anderson and father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Elaine Russell.
Survivors include her husband, Robert; daughters, Robin Cohen (Les McCully) and Connie (Tylor) Sims; grandchildren, Ian McChesney, Kasay McChesney, Lucas McChesney, Caleb Cohen, Aubrie Cohen, Dominick Snow and Kaylee Snow; sister, Tina Bennett; brother, Billy (Audrey) Doolittle and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 20 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Joyce Russell Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfunreralhome.com