Ramona "Mona" J (Osborn) Russell

Ramona “Mona” Jean Russell, 85, of Newton died on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at her home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials to the Jasper County Courthouse Lighting Fund may be left at the funeral home. 

Mona, the daughter of Fred and Violett (Brown) Osborn, was born on December 2, 1936, in Haverhill.  In 1940, her family moved to Newton. Mona attended country school at Malaka County School #6 through the 8th grade when as one of 14 children she was needed to stay home and help with her siblings. On October 19, 1956, Mona was united in marriage with William “Bill” F. Russell in Newton. In her early years of marriage she worked at the Snook Inn.  Later in addition to being a homemaker and raising the couple’s five children she did in-home daycare and ironing for families.  She loved babysitting and enjoyed watching the kids grow up. Mona had a green thumb and loved flowers. She also had a large garden and did a lot of canning.  Mona enjoyed trips to the Salvation Army and to Goodwill and had many collections.  Most of all, she enjoyed time spent with her family and grandchildren. 

Mona is survived by her children, Mary (Mike) Bleakney of Newton, Doug (Linda) Russell of Conrad, David (Rhonda) Russell of Newton, and Dan (Joan) Russell of Kellogg; grandchildren, Matt (Mallory) Bleakney, Brian (Grace) Bleakney, Will (Sabrina) Russell, Stephanie (Chad) Barton, Dale (Jayla) Russell, Nick Russell, Josh (Julie) Russell, Megan (Hunter) Springer, and Melanie Russell; siblings, Chuck Osborn, Steve (Linda) Osborn, Stan Osborn, Shirley Hoyla, Pattey Anthony, and Joe (Kathy) Osborn; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Russell; son, Dale Russell; her brothers, Robert, John, and Jim Osborn; and sisters, Aida Strict, Maxine Osborn, Leona Osborn, and Helen Hills.

A special thank you from Mona’s family to Dr. Edwards for all of his years of care, the Cancer Clinic, Wesley Life Hospice, and the Newton Village Staff. 

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