Mary Russell

Mary Eileen Russell was born October 4, 1938 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Charles and Ethel Tinker. She passed away on July 22, 2021 after a courageous, three-year, hard fought battle with cancer at the age of 82.

Mary grew up in Bozeman, Montana, where she met the love of her life - George Eugene Russell - during her sophomore year of high school.  Mary and George were married on October 5, 1957 in Bozeman.  They were married 63 years.  While living in Montana, they had three children, Chuck, Debbie, and Vickie.  Casper has been home to the Russell family since 1966.  Mary was a stay-at-home mom while her kids were young; and later worked for Woolco, school cafeterias, and Meals on Wheels.  She retired in 1991 so she could spend time with her grandkids.  Family was the center of Mary’s life.  She loved cooking meals for her entire family; preparing each member a delicious birthday dinner of their choice.  Her specialty was fried chicken!  Mary cherished her grandkids, each of whom were “her favorite.”  She was happiest when her family was around.

Mary also loved traveling with her husband in their classic cars, attending numerous shows and rod runs across the country, and making life-long friends along the way.  Mary spent many hours creating beautiful and intricate needlepoint pictures.  She also loved playing cards and games with family and friends, crocheting dishrags and towels so she always had an ample supply on hand for anyone in need, and making blankets.  She made sure that every baby born that she knew had a hand-made baby blanket.  She also enjoyed coloring, candy crush, and puzzles and games on her tablet.  Mary was always positive, never complained, saw the good in everyone, and had endless love and compassion.

Mary is survived by her loving husband George; daughters Debbie (Mike) May and Vickie (Jim) Smith; grandchildren Allen (Chrissy) Sosa, Jamie Smith, Alex (Sydney) Smith, Sabrina (Cameron) Budack, Brandt May and Taylor May; one great granddaughter, Isabella Smith; her sister, Dorothy (Louie) Stengel; brothers, Chuck Tinker and Bob (Peg) Tinker; and sister-in-law, Mabel Tinker; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents,Charlesand Ethel Tinker; brothers Carl and Dennis Tinker; and her son, Chuck Russell.

The family would like to express special thanks to the amazing team at Frontier Home Health & Hospice.  Mary will be dearly missed and forever treasured in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 6:00 pm, at the Yellowstone Garage.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Hospice - Casper, or to the Casper Humane Society.