Marilyn Ann Russo

Marilyn Ann (Roach) Russo, 71, of Beatrice, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln, NE. Born to Owen and Bertha (Stacy) Roach, Marilyn grew up in rural Bridgeport, Neb.

Marilyn loved to tell stories of her youth growing up with seven siblings on a farm and attending school in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated early from Bridgeport High School and attended Chadron State College, where she met her husband. Her faith grew as she embraced her life as a pastor’s wife, which brought her to states on the East Coast and the Midwest. As she was raising five children, she returned to college to finish her Applied Mathematics degree. In her working years, she was active as an accountant. Beyond that, and even after retirement, she found joy in Teammates Mentoring, teaching GED and ESL courses, leading food drives, and volunteering with various outreach organizations. She was active in her children’s lives, encouraging them to participate in activities and serving as a volunteer for several of them. She shared her love of gardening with her children and grandchildren. Her faith and love for family defined her life, and she improved all of the lives she touched.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of almost 51 years, Reverend Dr. Ralph Russo of Beatrice, Neb.; sons, Matthew Russo (Crystal Ortega) of Kearney, Neb., Mark Russo (Nicole) of Garden City, Kan., and Joshua Russo (Brooke) of Lincoln, Neb.; daughters, Melissa Lanning (Kyle) of Hutchinson, Kan., and Kristina James (Gregory) of Barre, VT; grandchildren, Liam, Myles, Lysander, Olivia, Eli, Adeline, Charlotte and Silas; brothers, Carl Roach (Carole) and George Roach (LeaAnn); sisters, Betty Padgett (Ed), Connie Prautzsch (Detlev), Cleo Wooten (Mike) and Lori Muhr (Steven). She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Darlene Nuss.

The family invites friends and loved ones to a visitation from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 21, at Elevate Church in Lincoln. A reception will follow. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 24, at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport, NE. Memorials can be sent to The Gideons International (Gideons.org) or to the family.