Eleanor June Russell

Eleanor Russell of Allegan, MI passed away, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at her home in Allegan. She was born April 8, 1922, in Allegan, the daughter of McKinley and Madeline (Anderson) Oisten. She was a Girl Scout for two years while in grade school. She loved school and liked her teachers, she received recognition for superior penmanship. Eleanor graduated from Allegan High School in 1940. After graduation she worked for Allegan Bell Telephone as an operator. She enjoyed connecting calls from service men to their loved ones. She then worked at Knappen Milling while living in Hickory Corners. During the war while her husband served with the Marines in the Pacific, she worked filling boxes for Post Cereal in Battle Creek. After his discharge from the Marines Eleanor was a full time homemaker, wife and mother. She loved taking care of her family and her home.  For almost 30 years she resided in rural Hamilton with her family until their move to Allegan in 1997. Eleanor loved the U.P. and never grew tired of crossing the Mackinac Bridge. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan during the Sparky Anderson era. She enjoyed scrapbooking, flower gardening and watching birds at the bird feeder. 

On September 18, 1942, she married Howard “Russ” Russell Sr. who preceded her in death in 2006. Surviving are her daughter, Linda Umlor; son-in-law, Nick Umlor both of Conklin; son, Howard Russell Jr.; daughter-in-law Trina Russell both of Lake City; daughter, Kathleen Kidder; son-in-law, Douglas Kidder both of Battle Creek; daughter, Christine Russell of Hamilton and son, Richard “Dick” Russell of Allegan, formerly of Battle Creek; grandchildren; great-grandchildren and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, McKinley; mother, Madeline; step-mother, Laura who she cherished and loved; siblings, Arvilla and David Kaylor, Richard Oisten, Barbara and Richard Smith and Pauline and James Seabright. 

Friends may visit with Eleanor’s family from 6-8 PM, Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Otsego Church of God with Pastor Steve Burrow officiating. burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.