Gail Russell
February 22nd, 1917 - April 3rd, 2011
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Gail's Obituary
Happy's life began on February 22, 1917 in Grand Rapids, the son of Gilbert and Nina (Jennings) Russell. He was educated in Petoskey and earned his bachelor's degree at Western Michigan College and a master's degree at Michigan State University. Happy taught music in several Michigan school districts before beginning a 30 year career with Social Security, retiring as a district manager in Grand Rapids. He was a member of the Dowagiac Elk's Lodge #889 and was an active volunteer for the Cass County Council on Aging. Happy is survived by a daughter Mary Patricia Russell of Grandville, NY and his niece Sue Ann (James) Henrickson of Berrien Center and extended family in Traverse City, Grand Rapids and lower eastern Michigan. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ernest Russell, who preceded him in death in 1995 and is preceded by his siblings. Happy passed away on Sunday April 3, 2011 at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Cass County Council on Aging. Yazel & Clark Chapel is serving the family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Happy at www.yazel-clark.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.