Kay Russell

Kay Russell passed peacefully at home in Cedaredge at the age of 86. Kay was born in Montrose, Colorado to Robert Roatcap and Ruth (Henderson) Roatcap, the youngest of three siblings. She lived most of her childhood in Montrose but was in Salida for five years also and just under a year in Georgia during her father’s National Guard service. She was active in music bands and theater throughout her school years.

Kay married Leonard Russell in 1953. They lived briefly in Oregon and Washington before migrating between Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, earning them the nickname “Rocky Mountain nomads.” Kay worked primarily in banks and doctors’ practices. She was a frequent volunteer and office holder in community and service groups, ranging from Habitat for Humanity to Friendship Force, Credit Women’s association, and her sons’ scouting organizations.

Kay loved trips to the mountains, especially Grand Mesa and Cimarron, CO. She was busy every year helping produce the Roatcap Family Reunion in Montrose. Her hobbies included antique collecting, sewing, gardening, drawing, and painting. Her most passionate year ‘round project was sending cards to family and friends for hundreds of birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

Kay was deeply loved by family and friends, many of whom called her Grandma or Aunt Kay even if they weren’t related. She is survived by her husband Leonard and two children: Randy of Golden and Rick of Silverthorne as well as grandchildren Jenn Russell of Denver and Maite and Eli Russell of Golden.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 a.m., at the Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church, 210 NW 3rd Street, Cedaredge, CO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kay’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Delta County, PO Box 62, Cedaredge, CO 81413.