Lurline Ray Russell, age 102, passed away on November 5th, 2024. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Cyrus C. Russell, her oldest son, Gary Russell, and her oldest daughter, Raylene Lavender, along with her parents, siblings, and many other loved ones. Our family was blessed to have her with us for so many years, and we dearly loved and cherished every minute with her. We will miss her beyond words. She is our own Wonder Woman – simply irreplaceable.
Lurline was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She was such an example of being a true follower of Jesus Christ and showed us how to faithfully endure to the end. She served and magnified many callings, including Young Women (she loved her Laurels!) and Relief Society President (at age 70). One of her favorite callings was Ward Librarian, which she held for 17 years. Oh, how she loved that library!
Lurline was always happy and had a positive influence on all who knew her. She had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was an inspiration to all. She had a lot of wisdom to share!
She loved her family very much. She attended as many concerts, performances, sports games, etc. as she possibly could for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always had time to play card games with everyone! She loved to read books and also watch all kinds of sports on TV. She was a big fan of BYU, ASU, Arizona (Basketball!!), the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, etc.
Lurline Ray Russell is survived by her daughter-in-law, Margie (Gary Russell), her children, Judy Russell Smith (David), Jonathan Keith Russell (Marsha), Alan Wayne Allred (Mary Ann), Donetta Russell Bowers (Russell “Rusty”), Kathy Russell Broughton (James), Rory Stephen Russell, Darren Eric Russell (Katy), 39 grandchildren, 131 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, November 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Bunkers Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. On November 15, a viewing will be held from 8:00 to 8:45 AM at the Mesa Stake Center, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will follow at 9:00 AM. Graveside services and interment will be in the Mesa City Cemetery. Here is a link for streaming the services at: Lurline Russell Funeral
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We shall miss your presence, but will always feel blessed to have known your kind heart and to share grandchildren with you.
Dale and Joylee
It was my absolute privilege and pleasure to spend time with such a precious lady! I am so very sorry for the loss of her physical presence although I celebrate that she was able to make the transition and join her Heavenly Father and all those who have gone on before her. This world needs more people like Lurline!!