Barbara Russell

Barbara Ann was born on October 27, 1950, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota the daughter of Merle and Evelyn Dowell. She graduated from Swanville High School in 1968. Barbara was united in marriage to Larry Russell at the American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, Minnesota on August 15, 1970. After their marriage the couple moved to Wadena and in 1971 moved to Lester Prairie. To this union two children were born: Michael and Michelle. After her children had grown Barb worked in Public Health doing Pre-School Screenings and later at Hallmark doing gift sales. In 2006, Larry & Barb moved to their home on Lake Ida where she enjoyed spending time outside enjoying nature and viewing all its wonders. Barb was very active with her family and community. She was a Chairman of American Red Cross Blood Drive for 30 years, Scout Leader for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, After Prom Party Chairman, Alexandria and Lester Prairie Relay for Life participant. She was a member of Lester Prairie Bethel ELCA 1973-2006, she held many different offices for WELCA, Grace Lutheran Church member from 2007 until present, Bible study groups, Summer School and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Barb also enjoyed golfing, water sports, cross-country skiing, gardening and reading. Barb was diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer in 2002, which went into remission in 2003, from 2003 ? 2006 remained in remission. In 2006 she was diagnosed with metastases to the pelvic region and has had many different treatments since. Barbara died on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Larry; son, Michael & wife, Elizabeth of Holmen, WI; daughter, Michelle & husband, Timothy Olson of Dassel, MN; five grandchildren: Derek, Andrew, & Seth Russell, McKayla & Keagan Olson; father, Merle Dowell of Long Prairie, MN; two sisters: Kathryn (John) Carlson of Grey Eagle, MN, Donna (Robert) Johnson of Burtrum, MN; four brothers: Gerald (Connie) Dowell of Pella, IA, Wayne (Wilma) Dowell of Kalispell, MT, Roger (Dorcas) Dowell of Albany, MN, Larry (Lori) Dowell of Mendota Heights, MN; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Dowell; father & mother-in-law: Chester & Helen Russell; niece, Brigitte Dowell-Baxter. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon, MN with Rev. Norman Olsen officiating. Pallbearers were her brothers and sisters: Kathryn Carlson, Donna Johnson, Gerald Dowell, Wayne Dowell, Roger Dowell, Larry Dowell. Burial was at Moses Dane Cemetery in Burtrum, MN. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net