Lisa DeRespiris-Russ

It is with heavy hearts we announce Lisa Jane DeRespiris-Russ was called to be with the Lord the morning of October 5, 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family’s love.

Lisa was born on June 10, 1964, in Euclid, OH to parents, Donald (deceased) and Susan DeRespiris. She attended Ohio State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing in 1988. Her passion and love for the Buckeyes ran deep, so too did her devotion to her family and friends.

Lisa was a member of St. Matthews Church, an avid reader, and loved attending live theatre performances or shopping trips with her ladies. She was a proud member of her local HOGS (Housewives of Gahanna), routinely attending cookouts, game nights, and making priceless memories together. On Fall Saturdays you could find her tailgating with her group of friends of over 20 years cheering on her beloved Buckeyes. Lisa didn’t know a stranger and always sought to put others first. Her infectious laugh and witty nature could light up any room and often made her the life of the party.

During her decades of work in the pharmaceutical field, she constantly sought to deliver the best service and attention to ensure patients got access to the care they needed. She seamlessly built relationships with providers and colleagues along the way. Lisa was so proud to work alongside her daughter in her favorite field of women’s health, teaching her the value of service-before-self, and repeatedly bragging on all their accomplishments together. She was consistently recognized on a national level for her dedication to her customers, as evidenced by her continuing to serve others until weeks before she passed.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband of more for 30 years, Gary; daughter Rachel and Rodney Merrick (spouse), son Jason and Maureen Russ (spouse) with her three grandchildren, Addie, Carmen, and Harper. Her siblings; sister Donna and Rick Downing (spouse); brother Douglas and Ana DeRespiris (spouse); sister Valerie and Ray Krasowski (spouse); brother Michael and Carla DeRespiris (spouse); brother Brian & Katrina DeRespiris (spouse). Nieces and nephews; Hannah, Zachary and Carley DeRespiris; Jennifer (niece) and Kevin Boyle and their children McKenna and Riley; Chris Downing (nephew); Megan (niece) and Casey Teeters and their children Jack and Liam; Brandon (nephew) and Autumn DeRespiris and their children Lincoln and Penny; Jimmy Santiago (nephew), Andrea Banks (niece); Nick DeRespiris (nephew); Christal (niece) and Nick Bell (spouse) and their children Nathan and Amelia. Lisa loved her fur babies; Millie, Demi, Oakley, Harley, Toby, and Sadie, along with countless animals before, who we know she is loving on now.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1:30 to 5 PM at Edison Brewing Company’s event space, THE PEAK at 785 Science Blvd, Gahanna, Ohio, 43230.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The James Cancer Center for their exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, Lisa asked that donations be made in her name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. If you’d wish to donate or join her team for the 2025 PanCAN Purple Stride you can register at Lisa’s Legion-- https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?team_id=58963&pg=team&fr_id=2943