Ruthann Russel

Ruthann Russel (nee Branham ) age 78 of Bradenton, Florida and formerly of Lowell, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; sons Timothy (Sue) of Columbia City, Indiana and Peter (Myra) of Wanatah, Indiana; her grandchildren Joshua (Kaitlyn) Russel, Deanna (Ben) Parish, and Brittany (Brian) Sims. She also had three great grandchildren, Barron Sims, Weston Parish, and Beverly Sims. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Verna Branham and her
sister, Patricia Sheaks.

She so loved having her children and grandchildren come to visit! One of her favorite past times was to take them to the Mote Marine and then to The Salty Dog or Sweet Berries for lunch!

Ruthann was an accomplished musician, having played in multiple churches throughout her career. Some of those churches were Redeemer Lutheran in Highland and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chesterton. She also played for Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell and Sheets Funeral Home. Ruthann was a long-time member of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. John, where she served as a music director for many years.

She was also a gifted seamstress, utilizing her skills from simple alterations to band uniforms to making formal attire, including wedding gowns. Ruthann was always willing to help anyone who needed it.

While this terrible disease took many memories away from Ruthann, she always held tight to the memory of the love she held for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was playing and singing hymns up to the day of her Resurrection. It was a beautiful and amazing thing to witness!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. John.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hope Seeds in Bradenton, Florida. They are an organization that grows, packages, and ships seeds and teaches others to plant and grow their own food, allowing them to be more self-sufficient. They have agreed to match all monetary contributions made in Ruthann's memory. Donations can either be sent/given to Paul, or can be mailed directly to their organization at Hope Seeds, 4625 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207. 

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