John Russell

John Russell, 85, of Anita, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

John Junior Russell was born August 20th, 1939, in Thayer, Iowa to Truman Lee and Helen Irene (Donnor) Russell. As one of eleven children, John’s family moved throughout Southwest Iowa while he was growing up; attending schools in the Greenfield and Creston areas. After high school, John moved to Oregon for a short time and returned to Iowa. Shortly after his return, he went on a double date with Ruby Cleora Fenn. They were married in Adel, Iowa on April 23, 1961, and remained married for over 63 years. Together they had three daughters; Pamela, Deb and Terri.

As a young man, John worked as a farm hand and was also employed by Adair Feed and Grain and the City of Urbandale. He quickly learned the trade of trucking; a profession he kept the remainder of his life, working primarily for R&M Trucking Co. for over 35 years. After retiring from R&M, he enjoyed truck driving for Henningsen’s Construction. His favorite part of his career was when he was able venture throughout the country with his wife Ruby by his side. He was a relentless worker all of his life, tirelessly providing for his family.

In his rare spare time, John loved to spend it with his family watching Westerns, John Wayne, comedy sitcoms, Three Stooges and Professional Wrestling. 

John was a selfless man who sacrificed his life for his family. He was a loving, reliable provider who would often go without so others would have. His humble, kind, giving personality never expected anything in return; a lesson of life for us all.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruby (Fenn) Russell of Anita; daughters, Pam Russell of Anita, Deb (Randy) Frazier of Atlantic, Teri (Ehren) Russell of Anita; grandchildren, Britney, Nathan, Randy Jr., Christina, Melinda, Shawn, Tonya, Jason, Brandon, Haley and Kenzie; great-grandchildren, Avalon, Brooklyn, Brinsley, Milan, Codi, Jordan, Jolena, Jasmin, Taylor, Geno, Mia, Anthony Jr., Ashlynne, Grayson and Brixen; great-great-grandchildren, Maverick, Whiley and Denali; brothers, Roger (Barb) Russell, Donald (Donna) Russell, Oliver (Kathy) Russell and Kenny (Barb) Russell; sisters, Margie (Tom) McKey, Diane (Bob) Kempf and Edna (Leroy) Recker; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Helen (Donnor) Russell; brothers, Harry Russell and Roland Russell; and sister, Laverta Prouty.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held Monday, September 16th, 2024 at the Anita Community Center from 12:00, noon to 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at a future date.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for John’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.