Mary M. Russell, age 87, formerly of St. Rt. 46 North in Jefferson, died Monday morning at the Saybrook Landing following a lengthy decline due to dementia.

She was born April 13, 1930 in Ashtabula, the daughter of Wilmer P. & Clara E. (Braden) Groff and has lived in this area all of her life.  Mary was married to Robert L. Russell on July 24, 1948.  Before retirement, Mary worked as a dental assistant and a clerk at the Ashtabula Co. Courthouse.

She was a former member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and served as a senior warden and now a member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church.  Mary was a Girl Scout leader when her daughters were growing up and she enjoyed sewing, walking, bike riding, music and flowers.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara J. (Robert Kennedy) Martin of Harpersfield Twp. & Jacquelyn L. (Rick Seaman) Stehura of Jefferson, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert in 2001, a daughter, Mary Ann Russell in 1989, a brother, Richard Groff and a sister, Ernestine Bush.

The family would like to thank Saybrook Landing and Bella Care Hospice for the wonderful care they gave their mother.

A Celebration of Life service will be Thursday at 11:00 A. M. at the Jefferson Home or Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with Rev. Mick Gilliam, associate pastor at the Jefferson United Methodist Church officiating.  Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Bella Hospice Care, 1933 St. Rt. 45, Austinburg, OH  44010 or the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula, OH  44004.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 A. M. Thursday morning.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes and staff are honored to serve the Mary Russell family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences, send flowers or light a candle.

 Service Information