Eleanor Faye Russell

Eleanor passed away at her home on Thursday, September 14, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 89. She was born on April 27, 1934 in Jackson, MI. to Lester Bostedor and Hattie (Huff) Bostedor. Eleanor married Bob Russell on June 5, 1950 and had four children, Kathie, Mark, Mike, and Matt. Her sister Janet was raised by Eleanor and Bob when Eleanor and Janet’s mother died. Janet was 15 years old. Kathie was an LPN and later started working for East Jackson High School as the Athletic Director’s Secretary. She married Shelby Tomaw and had Chad, Kelly (Frank Blough; Kassidy & Collin), and Kary (Jason Swiontek; Jared & Jake). Janet was a Secretary at East Jackson. She married Mickey Cromley and they had Lisa (Brian Rudd; Reagan & Addisyn), Stacey (Buzz Davidson; Tyler & Brock), and Kevin. Mark became an Orthopedic Surgeon in Lansing. He married Brenda Boucher and had Jessica (Sean Kiley; Cora & Paxton), Jason (Ryan Koolen), Jennifer (Adam Goss; Emma, Owen, & Cobe); Jori (Michael Smith; Payton). Later, Mark went on to marry Sandy Quinn a Gynecologist and we gained a bonus grandchild, Carmen (Zach Dimmitt; Carson & Holden). Then, they had Jacob (Isabel; Derek & Daphne). Mark is a great surgeon. Bob had to have both his knees replaced at the same time and Mark, their son, operated on him. He did a wonderful job. Mike owned his own hair piece business in Southfield, MI. Matt married Kellie Cavender and they had Marci (Joe Weed; Ellie, Kylee, Josie, & Coby), Jaime (Justin Warren; Tobin, Gavin, & Audrey), Lindsey, and Matt II (Lauren; Nolan, Miles, Eva, & Matt III). Matt owns Smart Tan Network and Tanning Trends Magazine. Bob died on May 14, 2007 of PSP. Mike, their middle son, died on March 31, 2008 from pneumonia. Bob and Eleanor owned Power Transmission Co., a Tanning Magazine, and the Bronze Villa Tanning Salons. Eleanor always kept her family close. She cooked huge dinners every Sunday for her family. They grew up so close that they would come to Grandma and Grandpa’s and stay almost every weekend. It was quite a sight to see all 15 grandchildren sleeping on blankets on the floor and furniture everywhere in the living room or basement. They would make up plays like the Wizard of Oz, etc. Kelly, being the oldest granddaughter, was the director. The kids acted out every play perfectly and they even dressed up for them. These plays have been preserved on videos. Eleanor also loved her friends. She loved going to plays and lunches with them. Eleanor was an artist and painted in oils. She painted Jackson scenes and her grandson, Chad Tomaw, designed the calendars for her in the year 2000. The 2000 calendar was selected and put in a time capsule under the clock in downtown Jackson. It is to be opened in 100 years or 1000 years. She also painted a Birthday Calendar of the Jackson Scenes that were sold in bookstores and in the Ella Sharp Museum store. She also sold greeting cards with her scenes on them. Eleanor’s paintings of Jackson are hanging in the Michigan Theatre. Eleanor was a member of the Foote Hospital Auxiliary since 1965. She worked 4 hours a week at the front desk in the lobby, at the hospital, and served on the board since the early 70’s. She started out on the board as Assistant Treasurer then Treasurer for 5 years. After that, she became Corresponding Secretary, Chairman of Cradle Pictures for 5 years, 1st Vice President, and then became President of the Auxiliary from 1984-86. After that she became Chairman of the Nominating Committee. She chaired the Christmas Basket Sales with Shirley Kuhl for many years. Last, she became an Historian until the board was closed due to change. Eleanor played the piano in the CTR Unit at the hospital and for luncheons. She worked on the Pink Balls and other money making projects. Eleanor also played the piano at Lloyd and Judi Ganton’s Retirement Centers all around Jackson and Spring Arbor. She loved to entertain them. She also played for the Women’s Club, Fundraiser Benefits, Salvation Army, and other parties. Eleanor met Jeff Daniels at the Country Club where she was in the movie “Super Sucker” and had a lucky part standing in the Country Club window with the female star and other friends. Eleanor’s mother, Hattie, was a strong force in teaching her to play the piano when she was 9 years old and never quit. She could hum a tune and they both could sit down and play it. Eleanor’s mother and father, Hattie and Lester, formed a band at Jackson High School. Hattie at the piano and Lester playing the violin. Hattie played the piano in a store downtown in the music dept. when she was 20. Her job was to play the piano and sell the sheet music that she played. Lester was a pilot in the Navy and was a flight instructor at Puget Sound. He also was one of the pilot’s that shot down balloons with bombs in them that the Japanese sent over here back during the war. Eleanor wrote an E book in 2012. Eleanor Russell, the author, wrote and published, “A Sign From Mary Made Me Believe.” It consists of four different true stories in one book: Bob’s life and his illness with PSP and how Mary would leave signs, some pictures, Mike, her son that died and his life, and Eleanor’s life until 2012. She also included the funniest things her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have said throughout their lives. You can get it on Kindle, Amazon, etc. Eleanor enjoyed being with her family and friends, going to the Eagle’s to listen to the band, and playing the piano at the Crouch Senior Center after lunch. Obituary written by Eleanor Russell. According to her wishes, cremation will take place. The family will receive friends at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave Jackson, 49201) on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. for visitation. Her family would like to thank her many friends at the Crouch Senior Center, the Eagles, Right At Home and the many wonderful caring ladies, and Careline Hospice. A very special thank you to Kim Linabury for her loving care of our mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Michigan Theatre, Careline Hospice, and the Crouch Senior Center.