Arthella Russell

Olive Arthella (Grouns) Russell, 96, formerly of Greenwood went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Greenwood Village South in Greenwood. Arthella was born on September 8, 1919 at the family farm in rural Gosport, Indiana to the late Earl and Olive (Fulford) Grouns. She was a graduate of Gosport High School and valedictorian of the class of 1938. She also graduated from Indiana Business College in 1939. Arthella was married to the late Charles A. Russell. She is survived by her children, Charlene Mann (Ron), Ronald Russell (Lori), Larry Russell (Shirley), Brian Russell (Terry) and Brenda VanFossen (Mark); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother, Perry Grouns (Loretta). She is preceded in death by a brother, Earnest A. Grouns and sister, Wanda (Grouns) Mulligan. Arthella retired after 14 years of service from American States Insurance Co. in Indianapolis. Never one to be afraid of hard work, she continued throughout her retirement to care for her elderly mother, volunteered in church and civic activities and managed her large family. In 1992 she received the Gosport Lazy Days Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year Award for her dedication to the people of that community. Arthella was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. She was a member of the Gosport Christian Church, but actively attended Greenwood Christian Church. On Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Arthella met Jesus. Although we wish she never had to leave, we know that God blessed her with 96 years of a wonderful life, and her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other lives she has touched. Her contagious joy, unconditional love, and grateful heart were a testament of her relentless faith in Jesus Christ. She surrendered her life to the Lord fully and in doing so He used her to touch so many lives and share His love. She lived her life loving others, especially her family, always in dedication to them and a faithful prayer warrior to so many to the very end. Funeral services will be held at the Gosport Christian Church on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Gosport Cemetery. Viewing will be held at Chandler Funeral Home-Whitaker Chapel in Gosport on Monday, January 4, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 and again on Tuesday one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Gosport Christian Church PO BOX 188 Gosport, Indiana 47433.

Arthella Russell

September 8, 1919 - December 30, 2015