Nancy Ann Russell was born July 5, 1934 in Merrill, daughter of Lyndon and Ida (Johnson) Emerich.
She received her education in Merrill where she graduated from Merrill High School. She continued her education at Pepperdine University in Los Angelas, CA where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She returned to Merrill to begin her teaching career and taught at the elementary level. She was united in marriage to George G. Russell on July 20, 1957 at the Holy Cross Convent Chapel. They were happily married for 55 years and lived in the Merrill community all their married life. After raising her children, she taught many years as a substitute teacher in the Merrill Area Public Schools. First and foremost, Nancy enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and was lovingly known as “Nana.” She enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Harrison Hills, working in her flower gardens, tending to her yard and feeding the wild birds. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and spent many hours volunteering at the Good Samaritan Hosptial.
Nancy’s death came at the Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at the age of 79 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband George on April 8, 2012 and one daughter-in-law Kim (Osness) Russell and one sister Lynida Walther. She is survived by five children, Lyndon (Deborah) Russell of Round Lake Beach, IL, Leah (George) Hoedeman of Eden Prarie, MN, Robert Russell and Paul Russell, both of Merrill, and Kathryn Russell of Green Bay; 9 grandchildren; and sister JoAnne Hornburg of California.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill at 11:30 a.m. with entombment to follow at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 4-7 p.m. and a Vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Waid Funeral Home; and Thursday, Jan. 23 from 10-11 a.m. at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill prior to the 11:30 a.m. service.
Memorial funds for Merrill organizations are being established.
Online condolences may be left at www.waidfuneral.com.