Phyllis Ruth Russell
February 5, 1934 – June 16, 2020
As published in the July 5, 2020 World-Spectator
Phyllis was born in Virden, Manitoba on February 5, 1934 and passed away peacefully in the South East Integrated Care Centre on June 16, 2020.
Phyllis was the only child of James and Marjorie Cuthill. They lived on a farm northeast of Fleming near the boundary. She attended Fleming school for Grades 1 through 11.
As a young girl, she loved photography and took an interest in the craft. This led her to a job as a photography assistant in Souris, Manitoba. She didn’t spend long at this job, as she married Rupert “Fuzzy” Russell on July 7, 1953. They were married in Fleming, Sask.
Fuzzy was a grain buyer so that took them to various towns in the southwestern part of the province before settling back in Moosomin in 1967. Amongst all the moving, Phyllis and Fuzzy were busy having eight kids in 12-and-a-half years. Her occupation became mother and homemaker. With a family that size, she stayed busy with the kids and all their shenanigans as well as cooking, cleaning, laundry and tending a large garden.
Phyllis managed to capture all the important details of her kids’ lives with her photography, leaving each one their special photo memories.
As the children grew, Phyllis began volunteering with a variety of community organizations including Meals on Wheels, calling Bingo, visiting the nursing home, Single’s Club, MOTOH, Drop In Centre, Moosomin Hospital Auxiliary (50 years), and Moosomin Legion Auxiliary (45 years). The family takes great pride in all her community contributions.
Phyllis and Fuzzy went their separate ways in the 1970’s. She had a close bond with her mom and her friendships were of great value to her. Everyone remembers Phyllis and Fran Kennedy being inseparable. She had many special friendships over the years.
Phyllis said her favourite family activities were the barbecues when family from far away were home as well as the big family Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
She will be fondly remembered around the shuffleboard table, the crib board and card table, at the bowling alley, around the coffee table at the Legion and most especially she will be missed around each of our kitchen tables.
Phyllis was predeceased by her parents Jim and Marjorie Cuthill; the father of her children Fuzzy Russell; her father and mother-in-law Joseph and Fannie Russell and her granddaughter Kellie Russell.
Phyllis is survived by her eight children Keith (Danette) Russell, Ron (Sheila) Russell, Scott (Lynn) Russell, Harvey Russell, Heather (Dennis) Hall, Glenda (Joe) Matichuk, Neil (Carol) Russell, Kevin Russell along with her 13 grandchildren Kendra (Justin) Young, Kurt (Krista) Russell, Kenny Russell, Kristopher Russell, Tracy Russell (Brett Rittaler), Andrew Hall, Pam (Gary) McClenaghan, Mike (Tegan) Matichuk, Shawn (Brittany) Matichuk, Tenille (Evan) Challice, Skylar Russell (Kaden Antoniuk), Bryar Russell and Davis Russell, and her 20 great-grandchildren.
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