Jill Russell

Afton Lucille "Jill" Beck Russell passed away peacefully with her family gathered around her on November 20, 2023.

She was born on February 16, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Harold Dale Beck and Ora Fernley Beck. She grew up in Salt Lake City and spent her early teen years working at an ice cream store as a cute soda jerk. When she was 16 years old, a handsome boy moved in next door. Hal Russell soon swept her off her feet and she left school to marry Harold "Hal" Gubler Russell in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Together they raised five daughters and three sons.

In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Jill was a woman of many talents. Over the years, she worked for a mortgage company, at Ashley Furniture, as a home hairdresser and as a pharmacist assistant at Harmons. She and Hal also owned and ran an ice cream store in Kearns, Utah.

Jill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many leadership and teaching positions (Ward and Stake Young Woman's President, Primary President, Camp Director, Sorority Young Woman's Mother, and Road Show Director to name just a few).

Our sweet mother enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and poetry; she lovingly sewed all of her daughter's dance costumes and school clothes, crocheted afghans for all of her grandchildren, and could create an amazing rhyme out of thin air. Jill loved to serve others and influenced many through her lifetime of service. In her later years Jill lived at Truewood Assisted Living Center.

She loved her caregivers and friends who made her last years a joy. We, her family, appreciated them too.

Grandma Jill was loved by her family, friends, and acquaintances. She had a very caring heart and loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. She firmly believes in the great plan of happiness and like her we believe we will be with her again.

Jill is survived by her children: son H. Jeff (Susan), daughter Robyn Sly, son Brad (Stacey), daughter Leslee McKinnon (Dave), daughter Teri Davis, son Ron (Jayne), daughter Jackie Culley (Paul), daughter Sandee Everton (Mike); 25 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Gubler Russell; parents; siblings, Hazel Lawana Beck and Dale Beck; grandsons Riley Culley and Remington Russell.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 11 a.m. at the Bennion Utah East Stake Center building, 5982 South 1300 West, where viewings will be held prior to services Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m.