Judith Mae Russell

Long time Milton, WA resident, Judy Russell died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Friday November 28 following a long illness. Judith Mae Russell was born May 22, 1943 in Sacramento, CA to Winifred and Virginia Stubbs McAllister. She lived in the Flathead Valley, MT through most of her early adult years and Libby, MT where she was widowed with 2 small children in 1971. In 1974, she moved to St. Maries, ID where she finished raising her children. Judy then relocated to the Puget Sound Washington in 1988.

Through the years, Judy used her many diverse talents in various jobs with the school service, home health care, rural mail delivery route, remodeling and decorating houses, and most enjoyed her career in real estate, holding licenses in both Idaho and Washington.

Judy adored her family, was an avid gardener, loved cooking – especially fresh seafood harvested with her husband Richard and was known for her amazing pies. An artist at heart, she created countless beautiful things sewing, needlework, and painting. A curious person, she was always seeking knowledge in a vast array of subjects through her voracious reading. A nature lover, until her health prevented, she vigorously enjoyed the outdoors, beach combing, camping, swimming and horseback riding. It seemed she was always nursing a wounded bird or other small animal. Above all, she was a nurturer and had genuine empathy for others. Her sincere compassion showed in work with various charitable organizations and her special way of constantly caring for those in need even throughout her own illness.

She is survived by her wonderful loving husband of 27 years, Richard Russell of Milton, WA; her daughter Audrey van der Velde and husband Arthur of Tacoma, WA; her son Greg Johnson and wife Tina of Forks, grandsons Troy and Wyatt of Forks WA; step-daughter Robin Johnson-Pease of Yuma, AZ, step-daughter Tammy Fauley of Long Beach, WA; step-son Chuck Fauley of Columbia Falls, MT; former husband Howard Fauley of St. Maries, ID; grandchildren Kyle and Kaitlyn vanderVelde; three sisters Vera Ranem of Minneapolis, MN, Pat Goodsell of Kalispell, MT and Ginny Kengerski of Kalispell, MT, and one brother, Stan McAllister of Lake Havasu City, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, four brothers Don, John, Winifred Jr, and Lionel, one sister Linda Sturz and first husband Leo Johnson.

A private gathering is planned for the family to celebrate Judy’s life as her final wishes were “Celebrate my precious life, Please don’t mourn my death.”

In lieu of flowers the family wishes any tributes be made to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. https://www.rescue-mission.org/ecards