Laura "Maxine" Russell, 73, passed away on Feb. 20, 2009, at her home in Ketchum. Maxine was born Dec. 9, 1935, in South Dakota and was preceded in death by her parents, J.D. and Jessie Sampson; her beloved husband, Ronald Russell; her daughter, Bonnie Russell; her brother, Vern Sampson; and her sister, Mabel Isham.
Maxine came to Ketchum in 1969 with her family when her husband's construction company came to install underground utilities in the Wood River Valley. She never left. She worked for Thomas Plumbing and Sun Valley Cleaners prior to retiring and was busier than ever. She was part of the "Old Frontier" shoot-out gang, wrote the weekly "Pearls of Wisdom" for a local newspaper, was a volunteer and board member of the Blaine County Senior Connection, and was a member of the American Legion and "The Sassie Lassies" Red Hat Society. Twice a year Maxine would perform with the melodrama group "The Gold Dust Theater" in Idaho City, and in her spare time enjoyed painting landscapes and old buildings.
Maxine will be greatly missed by her son, Tim (Lesa) Russell; her grandchildren, Mathew, Hannah and Zoe; her sisters Rosie (Dave) Martinez and Florence (Lyle) Ewing; her brother, Jerry Sampson, and her many, many friends.
Maxine's family would like to thank the Blaine County Senior Center, her dear friend Martha and neighbors for all of the care given to Maxine over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Blaine County Senior Center, Box 28, Hailey, ID 83333.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, from 3-8 p.m. at Wood River Chapel in Hailey. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church on Sun Valley Road.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey. Condolences may be left at www.woodriverchapel.com.
