Ellen Russell, 87, of Sweet Home, OR passed away Friday, May 20. She was born in Svensen, Oregon to Kalle Edward and Saima Maria (Maki) Wahlbom.

She lived in Svensen through her grade school and high school years.

After attending business college in Portland, Ellen worked as a secretary for the Seattle City Planning Commission. Her boss wanted her to return after she got married, but she said, “No, I want to stay home and raise a family.” Family was everything to Ellen.

Ellen Vivian Russell

After living in Seattle for four years, Ellen, her husband, three boys, and a girl moved to Yakima, WA where they welcomed another baby girl. When Earl retired, Ellen and he traveled in a motor home for three years before finding Sweet Home and their dream house in Holley.

After her first husband passed, Ellen took the trip of a lifetime to Finland with her sister, Judy.

Ellen enjoyed dancing and watching others dance. In fact, she met her sweetheart, Jim Russell, at a Squarenaders’ dance. After Jim and Ellen married, they celebrated month-iversaries. They enjoyed traveling and took cruises to Hawaii and Mexico.

Ellen’s favorite pastime was sitting on the porch, enjoying the view, and walking. She appreciated flowers and birds but not the Robber Baron squirrel who tried to steal their food. Ellen often played dominoes, and whenever she won, she would say, “Woohoo!” And she made great pumpkin pies!

Ellen is survived by her husband, James Russell, of Sweet Home, OR; daughters Maria Kaye Sommers of Port Orchard, WA and Cindy Sue Travis of Portland, OR; sons Gary Alan Travis of Walla Walla, WA, Ronald Keith Travis of Yakima, WA, and Brian Lee Travis of Beavercreek, OH; sister Judy Smith of Forest Grove, OR; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Travis; four brothers; and two sisters.

Viewing will be from 9:00–11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 1, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at Holley Christian Church. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.