Phyllis Russell

Phyllis Arlene Russell passed away peacefully on September 2, 2017 in the presence of her family.

Born on September 19, 1927 to Vera (Summers) and Russel Davison in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family moved to the Portage, Wisconsin area when she was a young child.

She worked at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage and raised her family on a farm in Lewiston Township. She was active in 4-H, with her United Methodist Churches in Wisconsin and in Ruidoso, the Rebecca's Club, freezing and canning the farm produce, and with the crafts of knitting, crocheting and sewing.

She moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico, in 1989 to be near her daughters and granddaughters.

Phyllis is proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Donna, and her brother Harlan. Phyllis is survived by her daughters: Gina Boyd, Deb Russell, and Darcy (Josh) Cress, four grandchildren: Danielle Russell, Josh Cress, Rebecca Boyd and Bob Cress., sister-in-law Colleen Davison and brother-in-law Herb Hilgendorf, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their children, her exceptional caregiver and dear friend Starla Tejeda, and many wonderful friends.

She persevered facing the challenge of a progressive physical disability. She lived by the principle of doing as much as you can-for as long as you can, if you don't use it you lose it. She demonstrated her Christian faith by helping others as frequently as she was able.

The memorial service will be Saturday, September 9, at 2:00 P.M. at Community United Methodist Church.

Service