Evelyn Dean Russell, age 85, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Granite City, IL. Evelyn was born on March 28, 1940, in Dixon, MO., a daughter of the late Woodrow and Mildred (McDowell) Crismon.
On November 12, 1955, Evelyn Crismon married Aubrey “Ray” Russell, the love of her life in Mississippi. Evelyn was a proud homemaker who loved taking care of her family and she cherished every moment. Evelyn was a member of Second Baptist Church in Granite City, IL. She was a talented musician who enjoyed playing the organ in her free time. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Evelyn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her children, Bobby Russell, Tammy Myint and Cynthia “Cindy” Tucker, and by her sisters, Glennis McCracken and Margie Kersey.
Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-nine years, Ray Russell of Granite City, IL, dear son-in-law, Marvin Tucker of Granite City, IL, proud grandmother to Amanda (Michael) Vivod of Granite City, IL, Robert (Jennifer) Tucker of Granite City, IL, Kassie (Joe) Bettag of Troy, IL, Raymond (Stephanie) Myint of Belleville, IL, and Timothy Myint of Granite City, IL, proud great-grandmother to Chase Tucker, Carter Vivod, Aiden Vivod, Gavin Vivod, Joey Bettag, Makenna Bettag, Noah Bettag, Jaden (Michael) Beatte and Nyla Viglasky, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, a visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, with her son-in-law, Pastor Marvin Tucker officiating. A private family interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
