Eleanore was born on a farm in York, North Dakota on April 29, 1919. A granddaughter of Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded in North Dakota, she was one of seven children born to Ole and Annie Myhre. Mrs. Russell attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in York and was part of a high school graduating class that had only seven students, including her late husband, Harold.
As a young girl, she worked on the family farm. She and Harold married in North Dakota on August 15, 1940, after which they moved to Virginia. Mrs. Russell worked in a pharmacy, in a dental office, and at a post office in the early 1940’s. When her husband, Harold, was deployed to Europe as a member of the 17th and 82nd Army Airborne Divisions during World War II, Mrs. Russell worked at the War Department at Arlington Hall.
Eleanore and Harold were members of Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington for 17 years. After moving to McLean in 1957, they joined the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Eleanore was a devoted member of the church in McLean for nearly 60 years, serving as a member of the church choir for many years. She was also active in several other church groups, including Church Women United and Bible study groups.
Eleanore was known for her sweet nature, patience and perseverance, and quiet humility. She was a loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend who consistently placed others’ needs above her own. She loved sports and was a loyal fan of her sons’ many athletic teams.
Harold, her husband of 50 years, passed away in 1991. Eleanore was also preceded in death by brothers Arnold and Kenny, and sisters Margie and Leona, all of North Dakota. Survivors include her three sons, David (Sandra) of Melbourne, Florida, Mark (Carol) of Annandale, Virginia, and Randy (Beth), of McLean, Virginia, her sister Norma of Plymouth, Michigan, her brother Marvin of Surprise, Arizona, 8 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving caregiver Jhenny Zarate.
The funeral service will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia on Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 p.m. The burial will be private. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Russell may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean.
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