Florence Viola Russell

Florence Viola Russell on one hand could take charge and get about anything done….on the other, she had the “patience of Job” as she poured her creativity and colors onto a canvas with oils. At the age of 81, Florence passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital, Monroe, Wisconsin.

Florence was born August 21, 1939 in Rodden Twp on the family farm, the daughter of Harold and Mary (Harris) Schleuning. She attended country school and Elizabeth High School. About that time, a young man from Savanna named Jim Russell was passing through Elizabeth and it wasn’t long until Florence and Jim were dating. When Florence saw something worthwhile, she took action. On August 31, 1957 they were wed in the Methodist Church at Savanna. Florence and Jim raised three children, Rick, Randy, and Colleen, and celebrated almost 64 years of marriage.

Florence had a heart for work as she served her community by working 50 years at the Savanna City Hospital, from a Nurses Aid to the Housekeeping Director & Purchasing Agent. She wasn’t afraid to share her talent with the community and even dressed up as Santa to help brighten the Holidays. She was the Vice President of the Palisades Art League in which she received countless awards and accolades for her extraordinary artwork, and a member of the United Community Church of Christ in Savanna, and she served on the inter-church council.

She loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren most. She also loved flower gardening, sewing and oil painting. For fun, she liked playing cards and taking short bus trips with friends. She was always on the go and enjoyed traveling around listening to people sing and perform. Her favorite song is “I Have A Dream” from the Mamma Mia soundtrack.

Florence will be dearly missed by her husband, James “Jim” Russell; her son, Rick Russell of Mt. Carroll, Randy Russell of Chicago, and her daughter, Colleen (Bill) Breuning of Elizabeth; two granddaughters, Jessica Russell and Haley (Matt) McDearmon; three great-grandsons, Owen and Mason Themas and Greyson McDearmon; two brothers, Stanley (Donna) Schleuning of Elizabeth and Bill Schleuning of Hanover; three sisters-in-law, Carol Schleuning of Pearl City, Donna Schleuning of Thomson and Jeannie Schleuning of Hanover; and several nieces and nephews. Florence is preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy, and four brothers, Kenneth, Ronnie, Roger, Robert.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Visitation will be held 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the Funeral Home. Friends may share in Florence’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.