Barbara Jean Russell

Barbara J. Russell, 84, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor William Shelby officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens with Reverend Kenneth Russell officiating the committal service. Friends may visit an hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Those wishing to share a memory of Barbara online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Barbara was born on February 26, 1931 in Terre Haute, Indiana to William and Bessie (Clarkson) Shelby. She married George W. Russell on June 23, 1962 in Benton Harbor, MI. Barbara had many passions in life, the most important being children. She loved to teach children. She is known for telling children “If you love me say ‘uh-huh’!” and having the children saying “uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh” all day. Her main objective in life, however, was taking care of her daughter Mary “Susan” Klitchman, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy as a child, for 55 years. She is survived by husband George; brothers William (Diana) Shelby of Kennewick, WA and Michael (Diane) Shelby of Murfreesboro, TN. Preceding in her in death was her parents William Shelby and Bessie Albin; daughter Susan; brothers Donald and Charles Shelby and sister Betty Ruff.