Bette Russell

Bette Russell, 94, passed away at her son’s home in Ivins, Utah on July 10, 2015. She was born on January 1, 1921 in Springville, Utah, to Harry K Lee and Fern Stevenson Lee. She had a happy and carefree childhood, growing up in a small town in the 1920s and 30s. When she turned 21, she went to San Francisco to stay with a cousin. While working in clerical accounting at Mare Island Naval Yard, she met the love of her life, Mayland William Russell. After a whirlwind three week courtship, they fell in love. Mayland only had 24 hours leave from the army, so they took a quick trip to Reno, Nevada to be married. They were married on May 7th, 1942. Mayland was shipped overseas shortly after this and it would be 32 months before they were reunited again. They were never apart for the next 60 years, until Mayland’s death in 2004. Bette was sealed to Mayland in the Jordan River Utah Temple on July 9, 2006. Now they are reunited as eternal companions, never to be apart again.

After the war, Bette and Mayland made their home in Provo, Orem and Springville, Utah, where they raised their six children. In 1966, they moved to Torrance, California and lived there until Mayland retired from US Steel. Bette worked for 14 years as a teacher aide in special education for the Torrance School District. After Mayland retired, in 1980, they moved to Magalia, California, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Bette spent the next 35 years in Magalia, where both she and Mayland were actively involved in the community as hospital volunteers. Bette also belonged to a miniature club where she made intricate wicker furniture and beautiful doll houses. Her artistic talents also included sewing, quilting, and needlecrafts. She and Mayland loved to travel, especially in their RV, and enjoyed traveling throughout the North American Continent, often with an RV group. Bette belonged to a swim aerobic group until she was in her 90s. Always an avid reader, Bette had a lifetime interest in education and in promoting literacy. She and Mayland made many lifelong friends who enjoyed her sense of humor, quick wit, and lively red-headed temperament!

Bette and Mayland have 6 children: David (Laraine) Russell of Herriman, Utah, Lee (Marilyn) Russell of Ivins. Utah, Larry (Sharon) Russell of Carson, California, Brent (Carol) Russell, of Safety Harbor, Florida, Kathy (Dale) Beehler of Kansas City, Missouri, and Robert (Lori) Russell of Albany, Oregon, 17 grandchildren, and  32 great grandchildren. Bette is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one sister; Norma Jean Williams.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 17th, from 9:30 A.M to 10:30 A.M at Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway, Chico, CA immediately followed by a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. in Glen Oaks Memorial Park, 11115 Midway, Chico, CA.