Eva Rae Gaskin Russell, 86, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at her Russell Drive home, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 18, 1937 in Russell County to Lilbert Edvert and Sarah Cathern Gadberry Gaskin.
She and Henry Clay Russell, Jr., were united in marriage on February 23, 1952 in Russell Springs. They were married until his death, April 9, 1996. To this union two children were born, Vanessa Pearl and Michelle Doneic’.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Russell was preceded in death by a grandson, Seneca Bradford Conover and three siblings, Lucy Myrtle Wilson, Edvert Glen Gaskin, and Oscar V. Gaskin.
Mrs. Russell was affectionately known as “Granny Eva”. She loved her children and grandchildren. She delighted in cooking for them. She enjoyed canning and freezing the large gardens that her husband Junior grew. She also loved flowers. Her favorites were peonies, gardenias, calla lilies and roses. Granny Eva loved to work outside.
Mrs. Russell was an avid reader, loving Southern writers, including the works of Janice Holt Giles, Harriet Arnow, Jessie Stuart, and others. She loved classic and contemporary authors, Dickinson, Bronte, Whitman, and others. She loved all types of music, classical, country and rock. She also enjoyed the richness of history and followed national politics closely, which she did not mind debating. An avid UK Men’s Basketball fan, she loved the Kentucky Wildcats.
Mrs. Russell was employed at Russell Sportswear, before a career at Union Underwear, later Fruit of the Loom where she was a sew-pocket. After her retirement after 33-years, she was employed at Amazon for an additional 15 years. A graduate of Campbellsville Beauty College, she also worked as a hairdresser for several years. After retirement, she attended the Russell County Vocational School, completing a course as an Electrician’s assistant.
Mrs. Russell attended the Clear Springs Church and Main Street Church of God where she served as a Children’s Sunday School teacher. After marriage, she and her family were members of the Russell Springs First United Methodist Church.
SURVIVORS:
2 daughters: Vanessa Conover of Russell Springs and Michelle Barger & husband Terry of Somerset
2 grandsons: Damion Anderson of Russell Springs and Eric Lawson of Portland, Oregon
3 granddaughters: Deven Conover & husband Jeremy Norris of Russell Springs, Desiree’ Marrs & husband Jimmy Marrs of Mt. Vernon, Ill., and Sarah Cahill of Nashville, TN
7 great-grandchildren: Hannah Anderson (Jared Harrell) of Somerset, Austin Anderson and Emma Anderson of Russell Springs, Meghan Marrs, Emily Marrs, Ava Marrs and Sophia Marrs all of Mt. Vernon, Ill
1 great-great granddaughter: Tinsley Jo Harrell
1 sister: Vonnie Mae Shepherd of Bloomington, IN
A host of nieces & nephews
Funeral service: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs with Leonard Pierce officiating
Visitation: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 beginning at 5:00pmCT and on Wednesday until time for the service
Burial: Lucenda Cemetery
Pallbearers: Eric Lawson, Jeremy Norris, Terry Barger, Jimmy Marrs, Emily Marrs, and Jared Harrel
Honorary pallbearer: Damion Anderson
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
