1924 – 2014

LONGWOOD, Fla. — Ruth Russell, 90, of Longwood, Fla., and formerly of Rockland, died Monday, Sept. 8, at Island Lake Center in Longwood, Fla., where she resided for the past 10 years.

She was born in Rockland on March 12, 1924, a daughter of Martin and Esther Graves. She was raised in Rockland and graduated from Rockland High School in 1942. Following graduation, she worked at the local dry cleaners until her marriage to Neil “Sandy” Russell on May 6, 1950; they happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2000.

Ruth was a talented seamstress, much in demand. She owned and operated the Alteration Shop on Main Street for several years. Following their move to Lake Avenue, she operated the Alteration Shop from her home.

She was very proud to be a 50-year active member of Aldersgate Methodist Church (formerly Pratt Memorial Methodist Church). She was also a member of the local Eastern Star chapter. She and Sandy had an active social life, enjoying their membership with the Coastal Clippers Square Dance Club and gathering with friends for any occasion. They also enjoyed camping with family and friends.

Following Sandy’s death in the fall of 2001, she moved to Sanford, Fla., in February 2002 to live with her son, Dan. After a period of declining health, she moved to the Island Lake Center in Longwood, Fla. While there, she became a favorite of the staff and received much loving care.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Grant and partner, Ray Morrell, of Livermore Falls and Susan Stimpson and partner, Bohden Wolicki, of Edgewater, Fla.; her son, Daniel Russell and his wife, Kathy, of Sanford, Fla.; grandchildren, Ralph H. Grant and wife, Suttriat, of Algonquin, Ill., and Pamela Caldwell and husband, Joseph, of Strong; great-grandchildren, Courtney Shufelt of Columbus, Ga., Morgan Bowering of Yarmouth, Joseph Bowering of Wilton and Jeremiah Grant of Algonquin, Ill.; and a sister-in-law, Della Graves, of Spokane, Wash. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Hartford Foster, of North Whitefield.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Neil “Sandy” Russell; her sister, Margaret Salameda; her brothers, Harry Graves, Alvah Graves and Raymond “Bill” Graves; and her special niece, Mabel Allen.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.