Richard Russell

Richard Clark Russell

1942 - 2023

Our loving dad, husband, and grandpa passed away at home from kidney and heart failure, on May 4, 2023 surrounded by his wife and children. He lived a rich life throughout his 80 years and said it was his life's purpose to love others and help them see their inherent value. Material possessions were not as important to him as people were, and he demonstrated this by listening to and accepting all whom he interacted with. To know Richard was to love him, laugh with him, and learn from him.

Richard was the firstborn of Lettie Ballard Squires and Clark Parley Russell on November 8, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a wonderful big brother to his 5 younger siblings. As an avid learner, he graduated from Granite High School, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University, but he always rooted for the Cougars.

He developed an appreciation for other cultures, beginning with his service as a missionary in West Germany where he taught people in both German and Italian. He later returned to Europe, leading a group of youth in Experiment in International Living. He also visited the Holy Land twice in order to experience the places and deepen his understanding of the scriptures he regularly studied.

He met his sweetheart, Inger Maryann Windfeldt Schmidt, at the church's genealogical library and after courting for a year, they were sealed in the Salt Lake temple for time and all eternity on August 30, 1967. He was a devoted father of four and was so proud of his children and 10 grandchildren.

His life work was serving for over 36 years as a seminary and institute teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Four of those years were spent in England and Germany laying the foundation of seminary throughout Europe. He positively influenced countless numbers of people.

Richard loved his country and served in the Utah National Guard for 19 years. He was also heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver award, the highest honor bestowed on a volunteer. He was passionate about scouting because it enabled him to take part in the life-changing experiences of the boys he led.

Quick-witted with a disarming sense of humor, he made lifelong friends wherever he went. He served others by donating blood each month for many years, regularly volunteering in the church's cannery and pasta factory, making Danish Christmas cookies for neighbors, teaching Gospel Doctrine for several decades, and leading the Exchange Club of Taylorsville.

We will remember him whenever we hear Annie's Song or eat shrimp scampi, and we will dearly miss his jokes, boisterous laugh, and sensitive spirit until we are all reunited.

Survived by his wife, Inger, their children Rebecca (Jim) Gubler, Melissa (Aaron) Abbott, Jacob Russell, and Ben (Jamie) Russell, and their 10 grandchildren. Also by his siblings, Julie Russell, Scott (Barbara) Russell, Ruth Milner, and Mark (Kelly) Russell. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Christopher Russell.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home on 4330 S Redwood Road in Taylorsville. Friends and family are invited to a viewing at the same location on Saturday, May 13 from 4 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday 4-4:45 p.m. prior to the funeral.

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