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Ruth “Sharleene” Russell
02/01/1936 — 05/01/2025
From Tacoma, WA | Born in Pocatello, ID
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Ruth “Sharleene” Russell
Ruth “Sharleene” Russell, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025.
Born on February 1, 1936, Sharleene was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and proud great-great-grandmother. Her life spanned five generations, and her love reached every branch of her family tree.
Known for her gentle heart, quiet strength, and nurturing spirit, Sharleene touched everyone who had the joy of knowing her. She carried herself with grace and warmth, and her presence was a source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.
She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially bowling and playing bingo, where her competitive spirit and playful charm always shined. Whether surrounded by family or enjoying a good game, Sharleene brought people together with her kind heart and easy smile.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband TJ Russell; her parents, Ruth and Russell Ames; her sister, Sharyn; her brother, Fred; her stepson, Steve; and her great-grandson, Brendon. She is survived by her brother, David Aimes; her daughters Barbara (and husband Ed Dean), Debra (and husband Rod Kneebone); her son, Robert; and her stepchildren Debi R, Brad, and Sue. Sharleene’s legacy continues through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were blessed to know and love her.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside burial service. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the burial, concluding around 3:30 p.m. All who knew and loved Sharleene are welcome to attend and share memories.
She will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the love she gave so freely, the wisdom she shared so generously, and the strength that held five generations together.
Sharleene was part of our family during the time she cared for our parents, Elizabeth and Valentine Schwinberg, in our home. She and Joyce Rawlins worked with my sister, Monica, to ensure Mom had the best possible care in the final years of her life. We were and remain grateful to her for the help she gave us in seeing to Mom’s comfort.
We are also grateful for the care she gave our brother, Paul, when he took up residence in our home following his release from Harborview, after his aneurysm.
The memorial service mentioned her baking skills. She also provided a cake for John and Sapna’s wedding reception. It was an extremely well made one. We all enjoyed eating it. So did the residents of the nursing home Mom and Dad were staying in at the time of my brother’s wedding.
We were saddened to hear of her passing. I am sure her family will sorely miss her.
Rest in Peace, Sharleene.
MOM. IM SO DISTRAUGHT THAT I WASNT THERE FOR YOU. I DIDNT GET TO SAY GOODBYE, AND THAF IS INBED ED IN MY HEAD. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT I COULD TRUST IN MY WILD LIFE. IM SORRY FOR ALL THE PAIN AN HEARTACHE YOU FELT WITH ME . WHAT AM I GOING TO DO NOW MOM. IM SO LOST I CANT THINK ALL I GOT NOW IS IM NOT WORTHY OF YOU BECAUSE I DIDNT GET TO SAY GOODBYE AND TELL YOU I LOVE SO MUCH IM GOING TO MISS Y OU. MOM IF I COULD BRING YOU BACK JUST TO GIVE YOU A HUG AND SAY GOODBYE AND HEAR YOU TELL ME YOU LOVE ME AND YOU HEAR ME TELL YOU I LOVE YOU. THERE IS NOTHING FOR ME ANYMORE. Mama Mama I didn’t get to say goodbye. mom I love with all my thoughts an body. I send y ou all my love. MOM you were my Rock and still a re
; you never told me no. I’m going to miss you. I Love you MOM. I will see you soon. Love your Son Robert.
although you’re not here anymore you will never be forgotten you were the best mom ever thank you for always being there for me when I needed you I love you Mom until we meet again 💕💕💋💋
Going to miss you so much. The one Aunt who would never let you get away without saying I love you. You brightened my life in so many ways.
Got to know you 4 yrs ago. Gentle, soft spoken and touch of fun. Alert and observant. Will miss you!
grandma I will forever cherish you and keep you alive in my heart and spirit. We have never had a bad moment we have always understood each other and was able to communicate and get things done. I will always remember when you made my dresses for school and my pageant! I will remember and cherish your recipes you have made. Your love for making food brought out the love whenever tasted it deep in our souls. I’m glad I got to get closer to you even more towards the end! I was ready for you to go you went to fast. I will always think of you and tell the kids stories of you. They still till this day call your name and I cry everything cuz they don’t get it. One day they will. I’m glad I was able to give your middle name that alot of our family has to my daughter who started from you but so happens I never got lol… I love you grandma and go be our angel be our guidance from above go rest and say hi to all that are missed!
Mom you taught me what real strength means having patience when life gets crazy treating people with respect standing up for the ones you love making home a feeling instead of a place but most of all you taught me real strength means love you will be dearly missed by all of us mom we all love you
Grandma I will forever miss you and I’m grateful I got to spend as much time with you at the end. And I’m grateful you entrusted me in making your final wishes come to life! I love you so much and am so happy I get to carry your middle name (or your name you go by lol)
Guestbook for
Ruth “Sharleene” Russell