Mary Irene Russell, 86, of Fort Smith, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024. She was born July 20, 1937 in Catalpa, Arkansas to the late Jasper and Anna (Kimbill) Melson. She was a certified nursing assistant.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Russell.
She is survived by a daughter, Glenda Flanagan of Mulberry; three sons, Tony Ritchie of West Fork, James Ritchie of Van Buren, and Jody Mize of Fort Smith; a sister, Flarncie Slone of Fayetteville; a brother, Paul Melson of Wesley; eleven grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR. Ashes will be placed at Peters Cemetery at a later date.
