Maxine Cole Russell

Maxine Cole Russell, 88, of 270 Ridgecrest Circle, Lewisburg, died on Wednesday Oct. 8, 2014, at her home.

Maxine was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Montgomery, daughter of the late Max Cole and Ruth (Ashton) Cole. She was married to Willard Russell Jr., of Allenwood, on Jan. 22, 1947. They shared 60 years together before Will passed in 2007. Maxine was a graduate of Montgomery Clinton H.S., class of 1944. Between 1944 and her marriage to Will in 1947, she worked at I.C. Decker as a secretary.

They moved and began farming on the Russell family farm in RD Allenwood, and resided there until 1991, at which time they moved to the Lewisburg area.

While Maxine was primarily a homemaker and farmer, her interests and vocations were varied. She taught generations of children how to swim in the backyard pool and the Milton YMCA. She also taught adult aqua exercise classes. Maxine had a great love for swimming and believed “everyone should know how to swim.”

Maxine and Will bred and raised St. Bernard dogs for many years. She served as Gregg Township secretary. At Watsontown Elementary School, she worked in the Guidance Department helping children with special needs.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery for most of her life and as an adult served as their Sunday School director. After moving to Lewisburg, she joined Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church.

While having grown up as a “town girl” in Montgomery, Maxine’s passion for the farm was great. Welcoming friends and family into their home was an important part of their lives, as was supporting community members in times of need.

Maxine and Will loved traveling, especially visiting children and grandchildren. They were her love, pride and joy!

She is survivied by two children, Diane J. (Russell) Farnham, of Ithaca, N.Y. and Dale C. Russell, of Irvington, N,Y. and wife Kathryn B. Russell; and daughter-in-law Amanda Castle-Russell, of Chester, N.J. There are also six grandchildren, Mollie (William Stratton), Andrew and David Farnham; Helen and Max Russell; and Evan Russell.

She was preceded in death by her eldest son, David N. Russell.

A grandson wishes to include the following:

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at 270 Ridgecrest Circle (Riverwoods) in Lewisburg.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate can give to American Red Cross, SUN Area, 249 Farley Circle, Lewisburg, PA 17837, Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) or American Legion, Railroad Street, Montandon, PA 17850 or Organizations United for the Environment-Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 1, Lewisburg, PA 17837.