Eleanor Louise “Ellie” (Gengenbach) Russell
Eleanor Louise “Ellie” (Gengenbach) Russell, 95 of Wallace, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at Linden Court in North Platte, on Oct. 26, 2023.
Ellie was born on Sept. 7, 1928, at her family home south of Grant, the seventh of nine children to Christian and Anna (Shurr) Gengenbach. Ellie was baptized on Feb. 3, 1929 and later confirmed on June 1, 1941, at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant. She graduated from Perkins County High School in 1945.
Prior to her marriage, Ellie worked as a school teacher at a country school south of Grant. She married Dean Russell on May 24, 1950, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grant. Following their marriage, they briefly resided in Oceanside, California, during Dean’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon Dean’s discharge in 1954, they settled on their farm north of Grainton. Ellie selflessly cared for Dean for 17 years following a severe stroke in 1986. The couple continued to reside on the farm until 2002 when they moved to Wallace. Dean preceded Ellie in death in 2003.
Ellie was known for her quick wit, kind-hearted nature and strong family values. An excellent cook, she particularly loved being a short order cook for her grandchildren, who were very fond of her French toast. She especially enjoyed making soup and cinnamon rolls for them, and anyone else who wanted to come over after home games.
Ellie and Dean enjoyed dancing and bowling. She also enjoyed belonging to many card clubs. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered at local election boards.
Ellie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dean; and her siblings, Harold (Lottie) Gengenbach, George (Wilma, Betty) Gengenbach, Dan (Evelyn) Gengenbach, Lillian (Wayne) Logsdon, Arlene Kurkowski and Dorothy (Marvin)Keuten.
Survivors include daughters Cindy (Larry) Christensen of Wallace, Diane (Ron) Hagan of Madrid, Kendra (Jeff) Aylward of Dickens; sons Darin (Angie) Russell of Happy Canyon, Colorado, Dan (Theresa) Russell of Imperial; grandchildren Sarah (Jeff) Shamblin, Mark (Lisa) Christensen, Brett (Adrienne) Christensen, Shawn Christensen, Dustin Hagan, Roxanne Hagan, Jennifer (Zach) Wright, Jeremy (Jane) Hagan, Dylan Russell, Dalton (Nic) Russell, Dominic Russell, Tiffany (Dan) Reeves, Derek (Amber) Russell, Tabitha (Evan) Divas, Jena (Aaron) Ruppert, Makenzie Aylward; and 27 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Rosie Barry and Anita (Don) Most; sisters-in-law, Idonna Deaver and Renna Russell; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested in Ellie’s memory to the Wallace Community Foundation or the Wallace Fire Department. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com. Services will be streamed live at ziongrant.org.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Grant with Pastor Michael Heckmann officiating. Interment will be in the Wallace Morning View Cemetery following the service.
Visitation was on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Bullock-Long Funeral home in Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.