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Donna L. Russell

Date of Death: December 31, 1969

visitation

Visitation
Location Not Available
Friday 2/22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Service
Location Not Available
Saturday 2/23, 2:00 pm

Donna Lee Smith Russell, 65, of Winchester, Virginia, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on January 20, 2013.  She spent her last days in the tender, loving care of her family, friends, and the Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center.

Mrs. Russell was born in August 9, 1947 in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Donald and Ethlyn Smith.  She was a master kindergarten teacher in the Pennsylvania Public School system for  25 years, where she introduced and implemented innovative reading programs and where she is well-remembered by many students for “helping them get a good start in life.”

Mrs. Russell lived in Roaring Spring PA for most of her adult life and was an active member of the United Methodist Church there.  After retiring, she lived in St Petersburg FL near her sister, niece and nephew.  In later years, she moved to the Winchester VA area to be with her granddaughters, Josie and Kelsey, who were the light of her life.

Donna Russell is survived by her dearly beloved son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan & Erin Russell, and their daughters Josie and Kelsey; by her devoted sister, Nina Gilbert and husband Bart of Mineral Bluff GA; and by niece and nephew Dawn & Kevin McCreary, of St Petersburg FL, who loved her as their second mother.  In addition, Donna is survived by a host of cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, February 23rd, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia  22601 or the American Cancer Society…

Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, Virginia.

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Visitation
Location Not Available
Friday 2/22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Location Not Available
Saturday 2/23, 2:00 pm

Donna Lee Smith Russell, 65, of Winchester, Virginia, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on January 20, 2013.  She spent her last days in the tender, loving care of her family, friends, and the Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center. Mrs. Russell was born in August 9, 1947 in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, the daughterContinue Reading

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Nancy Muha left a message on February 16, 2013:
Jonathan, Erin, Nina, Kevin, and Dawn you have my deepest sympathy. Donna and I have been friends since our very first day of college. She was a very kind and loving person with a contagious laugh and sparkle in her eyes. Because Donna loved children so much her college friends have decided to donate to Blue Ridge Hospice, however, we are asking that the money go specifically to their Camp Hope for children who have lost a loved one. Perhaps others would like to join us in doing that by sending their donation to Blue Ridge Hospice to the attention of Anthony Crosen for Camp Hope.
Vicki Smith-Karvel left a message on February 20, 2013:
My heart goes out to you all in this time of grief. Even though Donna and I hadn't much contact in recent years, I have many wonderful memories of time spent with Donna & her loving family beginning when I was quite young. I spent many happy days with Donna & cherish every one of them. My prayers are with you as you now begin to cope with your loss. God bless.
A-J Hoenstine left a message on February 20, 2013:
Jonathan, Thinking of you and your family. Your mom was a wonderful lady who I am sure will be dearly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. A-J Hoenstine and Family
Bernice (Shambaugh) Hargis left a message on February 21, 2013:
To all of Donna's family I want to express my sincere sympathy, but I can rejoice with you that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in no more pain ever and I shall see her again someday. Donna was like a sister to me. I always called Ethlyn, "my other mother" and we spent many good times together and through her I got to know Donna real well. Since she was only three years older than my oldest, Roberta, I remember when she used to come up the stairs at her house (we lived upstairs with them then) and come play with Roberta. I have lots of good memories of her through out the years and will always cherish the email she sent me just a few weeks before she went home to be with the Lord. I will be praying for you on Sat. as you have a service to remember her. God bless each one of you, Love, Bernice (Shambaugh) Hargis
Sara Zill left a message on February 22, 2013:
Dearest Jonathan, Erin, girls, Nina, Kevin and Dawn, My prayers go out to you as you near the time to pay tribute to your mom, grandma, sister and aunt. When Donna and I first met as freshmen at IUP, little did we know how our lives would unfold. What I did know about Donna then, was what a wonderful "girl" she was and how glad I was to be one of her roommates. Donna lived her faith openly even at 18 years of age. She was kind, thoughtful, caring, giving, and fun. I know that those qualities just expanded as she lived her life. I spoke with her just a week or so before she passed. I could hear my dear friend, Donna, even then. She asked about my family and my life...always concerned about others, even in her final hours. My husband Matt and I send our love and want you to know how blessed I have been by knowing Donna. Love and prayers, Matt and Sally Zill
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Marty Wisecraver left a message on January 24, 2013:
In honor of Donna L. Russell, Marty Wisecraver lit a candle.
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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