Jessie Russell

Jessie Louise Russell, 94, Topeka, Kansas, passed away in peace to join her Lord on March 11, 2025, at the House at Midland Care. The family thanks the staff at Stormont Vail Hospital and the House at Midland Care for the care, love, and support provided to Jessie. Jessie was born June 15, 1930, to Walter and Elizabeth Simons in Manhattan, Kansas. She was one of nine children. Jessie’s most enjoyable things to do were spending time and holidays with her family, trips to the casino, and playing bingo. Jessie was a stay-at-home mom and also baby-sat children, who also called her “Grandma.” Later in life, Jessie worked at Whitson School in food service. Jessie met the love of her life, John Robert Russell, at the skating rink. They were united in marriage on November 29, 1952, and enjoyed 53 years together before John’s passing on January 25, 2005. Jessie is survived by her six children, John Russell (Deborah), Larry Russell (Joyce), Pamela Schneider (Kent), Janet Cochran (Patrick), Dennis Russell (Janna) and Jeff Russell; 16 grandchildren, Breanne Russell, Darcie Alfaro, Megan Russell, Robin Russell, Shane Russell, Jason Russell, Angela Moburg, Dr. Joshua Russell, Jeremy Schneider, Dr. Jared Schneider, Sean Cochran, Craig Cochran, Kyle Cochran, Joseph Russell, Eric Russell, and Blair Russell; 27 great-grandchildren with one on the way in August; brother, James Simons (Rosemary); and many nieces and nephews. She would have been a great-great-grandmother to a boy in May. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Walter and Robert Simons, and sisters, Kathryn Morris, Peggy Heptig, Alice Bauer, Annie Mayer and Eleanor Slusser. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where a rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, VFW, or Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Jessie Russell

June 15, 1930 - March 11, 2025