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Violet “Rosie” Russell
09/11/1935 — 07/28/2015
From Kennewick, WA | Born in Nampa, ID
Violet “Rosie” Russell
Violet Rose “Rosie” (Drydale Wood) Russell
Violet Rose “Rosie” (Drydale Wood) Russell went to be with
the Lord at age 79 on July 28, 2015 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born September 11, 1935 in Nampa,
Idaho to Thomas Joseph Drydale and Violet Madean Brown Drydale. Rosie lived her life to the fullest, always
up to an adventure and making many friends along the way.
Rosie grew up on a farm in Nyssa, Oregon. It was there that she learned many lifes lessons. She worked hard at the daily chores, learned to sew and cook, and formed strong bonds with her cousins that would last a lifetime. She graduated from Nyssa High School in 1953. She remained connected to friends and attended many class reunions. In 1960, she married Kenneth Lee Wood and they bought a home in Richland. This would be her home for more than 55 years. They had three children (Jeff, Twila and Teresa) before they divorced in 1973. She married the love of her life, James Manuel Russell, on July 15, 1983. She cherished every day with him until he passed away in 2006.
As a single woman with three kids, Rosie worked a number of jobs to make ends meet. Hired by the Richland School District in 1972, she found her calling as a Personnel Secretary in Human Resources. As a very social person, this was the perfect job for her. Even long after her retirement in 1998, she could remember faces and names of people when she saw them around town.
Rosie was an outdoor person. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and traveling in their RV. She spent time working in her yard, collecting antiques (especially amber glass), working on genealogy, creating photo albums, and just sitting on her front porch with neighbors. Rosie loved her family; she took care of her grandkids every opportunity she had. She was an avid square dancer for many years and kept in touch with friends long after. With a strong faith in Christ, she was an active member of Cathedral of Joy/Hillspring Church for more than 30 years.
Rosie is survived by her children Jeffrey (Mya) Wood (grandsons Nathan and Quentin), daughters Twila Wood, and Teresa Nastri (grandchildren Gable, Leah and James), step children Suanne Baker (grandchildren Tyler, Casey and Kristin) Deborah Lewis (granddaughters Heidi and Monica), her brother Duane (Shirley) Drydale (nieces and nephew Brigetta, Jerry, Tonya and Tina). Rosie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Russell, and her grandson Ethan Wood (Jeff and Mya).
Services are Friday, August 7, 2015 at Einan’s Events Center, Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 915 Bypass Highway. Viewing from 9 – 11 am, graveside committal from 11 – noon, memorial services from noon – 1 pm with a catered reception immediately following from 1 – 3 pm.
Express your thoughts and memories at https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/obituaries/. Memorial tributes may be made to any Alzheimer’s Research fund.
I wanted so badly to come to the services but couldn’t. Vi was one of the dearest friends I ever had and we lived very close to each other on the farms. Her mom and dad were wonderful friends too of my parents. Vi and were both in the Class of 1953 in Nyssa. They all send their condolences. She was here on our 50th Class Reunion. Vi, we love you, and going to miss you so much, but you are in heaven with your loved ones and someday we’ll all be together. God Bless you.
Rosie was a very special woman. She was a friend, mentor, collaborator, always giving her best and always willing to help. As a family, our fondest memories are fishing on the Tucannon with Rosie and Jim when our kids were small – those were the best of times. Jim, their kids and their grandkids were the center of her life and gave her so much pleasure. There are many small moments that come to me now when I remember how Rosie would comment on or address a situation. She, indeed, was a very special woman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosie’s family. We loved Rosie very much and were lucky to be counted as one of those neighbors who got to hang out and visit on her front porch. She had a special chair she always brought out for Alex to sit on. We cherished those evening chats! She was a special lady to us and our lives are better for having known her.
My condolences to Rosie’s family for their loss. I worked with Rosie in Personnel. She taught me so much. I really enjoyed a story she shared one day about a camping trip she and the kids took all over Washington. They had little money and each day they decided as a family what they would do. She thought it was one of the best times she spent with her kids.
Sad to hear of cousin Rosie’s passing. She was one near and dear to my heart. Rosie always had a smile, a joke, a laugh, and a prayer. I cherish the memories made 9 years ago, when she and Aunt Lois came to New England and spent a couple weeks with us. Fun times. I will miss her. Thoughts and prayers are with Jeff, Teresa, Twila, and Duane and families during this time.
Jeff, so sorry to hear about your mother, many fond memories when we were much younger. Company picnics with your mom and dad and the boat incident on the Mighty Columbia. Take care brother.
Guestbook for
Violet “Rosie” Russell