E. Jack Russell

E. Jack Russell, age 91, passed into the arms of his Lord on the evening of July 9, 2015 at his home in Schertz, TX, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Jack was born on December 1, 1923 in Richwood, West Virginia to Vella (Gibbon) and Leonard Russell. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Hilliard High School. He loved music, playing the drums, guitar, and singing. He started working at Nationwide Insurance Co. as an IBM Operator, June, 1941. After WW II broke out, he joined the USAF and was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Universal City, Texas, in Administrative Services from 1943-1946. There, he met the love of his life, Ardice Hild. They were married in Cibolo, TX on March 23, 1946. After completing his military service, he and Ardice moved to Columbus. Jack returned to Nationwide, in the Data Processing Department, and later became the Director of Management Information Systems Development. He was a member of Data Processing Management Association, serving as Chairman of the Board and regional director. Jack retired in 1981. During this time, Jack and Ardice lived in Upper Arlington raising three daughters. Summers were occupied with backyard parties, with family and friends; trips to Cibolo, TX visiting Ardice's parents. Fall and winter were devoted to football, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, where Jack ushered for many years. In 1995, after living a short time in Pompano Beach, FL, Jack and Ardice moved to the 80 year old family farmhouse in Cibolo. They enjoyed their time on the farm, fixing up the house, and the many visits from their children, grandchildren and friends. Jack and Ardice are members of the Riverside United Methodist Church in Upper Arlington, He was also a member of the American Legion. Jack was a devout Christian, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He set a positive example, including a strong work ethic, religious upbringing, a generous heart and a good friend to many. He will be dearly missed by all who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Jack is survived by his wife, Ardice Russell; daughters, Andrea Sturm, of Sadler, TX, Diane Ballard (William) , of Findlay, OH, Denise Masters (Thom), of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Michael Sturm, of Sadler, TX, Caryn Dixon (Luke), of Murfreesboro, TN, Stacie Pollard (Michael) of Franklin, TN, Stephen Ballard, of Dallas, TX, Kelly Masters, of Atlanta, GA; and great grandchildren, Haley Dixon and Olivia Pollard. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step father, Harry Gibbon; his brother, Eugene Russell and his sister, Ethel Ransdell. Friends may call 12 noon- 2:00 pm Friday, July 17, 2015 at SCHOEDINGER HILLTOP CHAPEL, 3030 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204. Graveside Service will be held 2:30 pm Friday at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Hilliard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetic Assoc. or a charity of your choice in Jack's name. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel.