Sue Russell

Sue Russell passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her family, after a long ordeal with pancreatic cancer. She will be remembered as a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She gracefully joins her parents in heaven.

Sue was born on May 19, 1956, in Stapleton, NE, to Grant and Lois Figard. She enjoyed growing up in the quiet beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills with her siblings Roger and Vicki. Sue married Garold Russell in 1976. Their son Darin was born in 1986; he would marry Caitlin in 2019.

Sue acquired her Nursing license in 1976, but ultimately fell in love with ranching with her husband near the Dismal River. She also spent 20 years as secretary at Thedford Elementary School, touching the lives of many students with enthusiasm and warm generosity. Additionally, Sue completed the Master Gardener program through UNL Extension, and was known as a passionate gardener. She spent her summers cultivating (and weeding) beautiful flower beds at her home and brought a unique and irreplaceable beauty to her corner of the Sandhills. Joining her in the garden throughout the years were a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, and other creatures equally cherished.

In keeping with Sue’s wishes, an informal memorial reception is scheduled for October 1, 2023, in Thedford, NE, at the old gymnasium in the High School. All those who wish to remember Sue are welcome to visit at any time between 2 and 4 PM to share stories, condolences, and refreshments. For those who would like to make a memorial donation, please consider giving to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.