Judith Lee “Judy” Russell, 77, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 4:32 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her home. She was born May 6, 1946, in Granite City, the daughter of the late Leroy and Julia (Lamb) Range. She married the love of her life, William A. “Bill” Russell II on June 12, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granite City. He passed away on February 21, 2024. Judy retired from Granite City Steel after 25 + years of dedicated service. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Holy Family Parish where she was active for many years on several committees, including serving as a wedding planner and a member of both the funeral and the Arts and Environment committees. She also served the parish as an organizer for many special events. She was a member of the Granite City Elkettes Lodge #1063 and the P.E.O. She had a love for animals, was an avid collector of cookbooks, and loved shopping and attending auctions. She cherished her grandchildren and never missed any of their activities and games throughout the years. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family & friends and her ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome in her home. Judy is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Matt Sheridan of Granite City; two sons and daughters-in-law, William and Candace Russell III of St. Louis and Matthew and Heather Russell of Edwardsville; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Elijah Russell, Olivia and Isaac Maue, Madeline Sheridan, Lydia Sheridan, Phoebe and Tanner Pieri, Benjamin Russell, Liam Russell, Alec Sheridan and Nicholas Russell; a sister, Donna Arnold of Granite City; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Doris Range of Edwardsville and Sandy and Bob Shaw of New Port Richey, Florida; special niece, Lauren Range and Kate Brockmeyer of St. Louis; many nieces; nephews; cousins; other extended family and many, many friends. In addition to her beloved husband of 58 years, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Range. The family would like to recognize and offer special thanks to her in-home caregiver team that provided her the opportunity to remain in her home forever.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Avenue in Granite City on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant. There will be a funeral luncheon after the Mass. Bill and Judy will be laid to rest together at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville at a later date. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Church or School, the Granite City APA, or to VITAS Hospice. These memorials may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com
