Judith Joan Taggart Russell

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, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
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