Judith Joan Taggart Russell, age 93, of Lawrence, KS passed away on August 23, 2015.
Joan was born, November 15, 1921, to James and Almeda “Allie” King Taggart of Wellington, KS. She graduated from Wellington High School and The University of Kansas. After marrying C. E. Russell, Jr. in 1943, they returned to Wellington to raise their family. C. E. preceded her in death in 2011.
Joan was a “stay-at-home” mom raising their five children. As her children grew up Joan worked at Riley’s Jewelry in downtown Wellington and later worked as a library aide passing on her love for books to the many children who came through the Kennedy Elementary School library.
In 2003, Joan and C. E. returned to the community in which they met, Lawrence, KS to enjoy a late retirement.
Joan loved to entertain and passed on her love of cooking to all her children and grandchildren. Holiday meals were a family event followed by long conversations and much laughter around the table.
Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl Aydelott (Guy) of Eugene, OR and Cara Connelly (Jim) of Lawrence, KS; three sons, Curt Russell of Wellington, KS, Mark Russell of the home and Chris Russell (Lori) of Boerne, TX; seven grandchildren, Todd Aydelott, Ged Aydelott, Chris Haley, Corey Russell, Victoria Jackson, Lauren Russell and Michael Russell; and eight great-grandchildren.
A private family service for both Joan and C. E. will be held at a later date. We would like to thank Kea, Ashley, Tonya and Mickey of Visiting Nurses/Hospice for helping Joan and the family through this process. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in her name to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses/Hospice or the Wellington Public Library and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at: www.rumsey-yost.com or sign the guestbook at: obituaries.LJWorld.com
Dear Cara,
I am sad to learn of your mother’s death. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
Sarah, Class of ’67
Peace Be With You Dear Friend
Cara and families,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cara & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a great lady and a woman of many talents. She made a suit for me once when my mom was too busy to sew. It was beautifully sewn and I loved wearing it. My heart goes out to you at this sad time. May all the good memories shared bring you peace and comfort always.
Cara, May the future bring you comfort as you accept the loss of your mother. Deepest
sympathy.
Cara and family, So sorry for the loss of your mother. Keep her memories close to your heart.
Andrea Ramey Day
My heart is filled with sadness upon hearing of the passing of Aunt Joan. I hold many fond memories of our Sundays in Wellington. My daughter and I recently visited Wichita and we drove through Wellington on our way back to Texas. It has changed of course but the flashbacks of happy times has not. My condolences to you and your families
So many memories of the Russell family, anchoring the corner of 15th and A Street in Wellington, KS. I send my sincere condolences to the entire family.
Cara, What a wonderful blessing that you have had such a long time with your mother, but the sadness of the loss is great. I wish you comfort with your love and memories and family.
Sara and family,
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with His peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Cathy and Duane McKinney
(Classes of 1967 and 1966)
Cara
Sorry to hear about your Mother. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cara, sorry to hear about your mother. I too think about you when we go by your house in Wellington and wonder how & what you are doing now. Take care…
Cara and family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. She obviously was a lovely person who had the love of many friends and family and lived life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with you.
Cara & Kurt,
My condolences on the loss of your Mother. Joan was really a wonderful, fun, person. My memories immediately went back to some great backyard picnics @ your house. And Joan & Mom enjoyed each other so much. Hugs & prayers to you all.
Dear Cara and family, I send my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. Although I did not know her well, her obituary shows she was a wonderful mother and humanitarian. I’m glad you and your parents were able to spend some of their later years in Lawrence, such a wonderful town. Again, please accept my sympathy.
Cara & family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Cara and family,
Every time we drive by your old house I think of you! So sorry for you loss. May many wonderful memories comfort you during this time and always.
Cara
I was so sorry to hear about your mother.
She was such a sweetheart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cara and families, So sorry to hear about your sweet Mother passing. It was always a delight to visit with her. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
My brief visits with Joan and C.E. over the years were always so enjoyable. You could always count on good food (or going out to a restaurant with good food) and lots of laughter. My heart and prayers are with their kids and grandkids! I will always remember them with a great deal of fondness!