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Russ was born and rasied in Powell where he died after a brief illness with cancer. He graduated from Powell High School in 1972 and earned an AA degree from NWC in elementary education.
On May 31, 1974 Russ married his high school sweetheart, Carla Keeler. They built their life together on the truths of Christianity, especially love and faith.
Russ’s career included: assistant manager at Anthony’s in Powell, and then he became a manager in Scobey, Montana and Mobridge, South Dakota. They returned to Powell in 2003. His career then took Russ into the oilfield industry.
Russ’s church life was extremely important to him. He served as a deacon, Bible teacher and worship leader in Mobridge as well as Powell. He loved serving the Lord. Russ was well known for a caring heart and kind words.
His hobbies included working and baking bread. He also enjoyed making craft items and giving them as gifts.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lola Belle (Toler).
He is survived by his wife, Carla; brother, John (Carla) Essex; sister, Hope (Joe) Reynolds; sister, Melsene Villegas; adopted son, Brad (Tracie) Price; and grandchildren, Eddie (Peyton), Sam, Liz, Josie and Will, Dell Rapids, South Dakota; brother-in-law, Nolan Keeler, sister-in-law Glenna D’Amico, also nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Victory Baptist Church (formerly First Southern Baptist Church) in Powell. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery following the service at the church. Memorials may be given to Serenity Resource Pregnancy Center.
