Ruby Jean (Pierce) Russell made her journey to Heaven on March 7, 2025, at 8:53 am. A dedicated Christian and prayer warrior, she passed over after listening to her great-granddaughter, Hannah Russell, read the 23rd Psalm. Ruby’s last words were, “Thank you, Jesus. Amen.”
Ruby was born on August 21, 1935, in Chicago, IL to John R. and Gladys (Garner) Pierce. On August 30, 1952, she married Robert L. Russell in Salem, AR. Her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Betty Russell, traveled with them. Robert was her soulmate and one true love. Ruby and Robert were blessed with four children: James, John, Jacqueline, and Joseph. Working as a sizer for 32 years, Ruby was a dedicated employee at Paramount Cap Factory. The family has often said that she missed her career calling. She should have been a Kindergarten teacher. She enthusiastically entertained her grandchildren, even with her toes being story characters. Ruby was dedicated to witnessing for her Lord and Savior and was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church. Mom had her children at church every time the doors were open. She was often singing and humming Christian songs. Vacation travels will never be the same without Granny singing “Found a Peanut” with the grandkids. Ruby loved spending time with her family and had many nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. She was affectionately called “Granny” or “Aunt Ruby” by all. Even in recent years as her health declined, Granny attended as many events involving her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as she could and always looked forward to attending the annual Pierce Family Reunion. She loved talking to her younger sister, Judy Pierce, and looked forward to calling her every evening to say, “Goodnight.” She considered Betty Russell to be her dearest friend and another sister. Ruby never met a stranger and made many life-long friends. She is already deeply missed!
Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Robert Russell; son, John Russell; grandchildren, Tyler Russell, Kaylee Webster, and Madilynn Kelley; siblings, Opal Davis (Robert), Richard Pierce (Doloris), Franklin Pierce, and Nancy Yardley (Bill); and brothers-in-law, Bob Russell and James Russell (Alma Lee).
She is survived by her children, James Russell (Pamela), Jaqueline Younger (Clint), and Joseph Russell (Chantel); grandchildren, James Russell, Jr. (Clarissa), Michelle Voyles (Brad), Cherish Kelley (Jeremiah), John Robert Russell, Savannah Duncan (Cory), Perry Younger, Sady Younger, and Magen Barr (Michael); great-grandchildren, Danny, Gabrielle and Amelia Russell, Hannah Russell, Brianna and Jacob Webster, Dylan Farris, Brylee Trippe, Rainee Cooper, Alyson and Ava Kelley, and Temperance, Jazyn and Thane Duncan; great-great grandchildren, Kinslee, Weston and baby girl Cooper; sister, Judy Pierce; and sister-in-law, Betty Russell.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-3:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona. Memorial Contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
