Joyce Elaine Russell

Joyce Elaine Russell
1961 – 2022
Bethany, MO: Joyce Elaine (Doolittle) Russell, 60, Bethany, MO passed away at her home in the
loving arms of her family. Joyce fought a long battle with cancer. She was a warrior and never
gave up.
Joyce was born on February 4, 1961 in Clarion, Iowa to George Artie and Viola Marie
(Dingman) Doolittle. Joyce attended school in Ridgeway, MO. She graduated high school in
Jamesport, MO. Joyce had 6 siblings and grew up on a farm outside Ridgeway, MO. She had
many memories of growing up on the farm. She enjoyed her horse, Brownie and pet pig
named, Arnold.
Joyce was a Christian. Joyce filled her heart with joy from the Lord. She was a member of
the Oakland Christian Church.
On June 12, 1978, she married the love of her life, Robert Russell. They enjoyed 43 years
together. Robert and Joyce lived in Bethany most of their marriage. They had 3 children, a set
of twins and a son. Joyce loved her children very much. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren
and 1 great-grandson. Joyce enjoyed watching them grow up.
Joyce was a loving and caring soul. She was a true friend to many who blessed her path in
life. Joyce worked many years as C.N.A. One of her greatest passions in life was caring for
others, especially the elderly. She had such a vast knowledge of therapy with them. Joyce
worked at a few nursing homes. She began working at Sunnyview in Trenton, MO and later at
Crestview Nursing Home. Her home, as she called it, was at Bethany Care Center where she
was blessed to care for many residents there. Joyce was always dedicated to the residents and
her coworkers. Joyce worked at Toot-Toot Family Restaurant for a time and made many friends
there. Joyce was always a hard worker and was always willing to help anyone she could.
Joyce had many passions in her life. She loved to be with her family. She especially enjoyed
riding the motorcycle with her husband. They often went to Sturgis in the summer. She loved
to work beside dad doing things outside. One of her favorite things was tending to her lily
garden and feeding the hummingbirds. She loved to sit at the picnic table in the evenings and
visit. Joyce loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Joyce was a good cook and enjoyed
baking. Joyce was an animal lover. Robert and Joyce raised St. Bernard dogs for many years.
She also had a pet parrot named Jack.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jeremie Wayne Russell; brothers,
Truman, Frank, and Artie Doolittle; sister, Arlene Anderson and father and mother-in-law,
Melvin and Elaine Russell.
Survivors include her husband, Robert; daughters, Robin Cohen (Les McCully) and Connie
(Tylor) Sims; grandchildren, Ian McChesney, Kasay McChesney, Lucas McChesney, Caleb Cohen,
Aubrie Cohen, Dominick Snow and Kaylee Snow; sister, Tina Bennett; brother, Billy (Audrey)
Doolittle and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 20 at Roberson Funeral Home,
Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive
friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the
Joyce Russell Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO
64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfunreralhome.com.