LEAF RIVER – Barbara Ann Russell, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 in Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford. Barbara was born on March 25, 1949 in Walnut Ridge, Ark., the daughter of Jewel and Euthel (Ratliff) Dixon. She graduated from Leaf River High School class of 1968. Barbara married Wes Russell on Feb. 21, 1970 in Byron.
Barbara was a punch press operator for Quality Metal Finishing in Byron, and she retired in January 2011. She was a member of the Baileyville Baptist church, Stone Croft Ministries, ladies of the church group. Barbara loved to sew and was a wonderful cook and baker; but most of all she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Barbara is survived by her husband: Wes Russell, Leaf River; children: James (Chris) Russell, Mt. Morris, Lori (Doug) Hartman, Dixon, John (Girlfriend: Sam) Russell, Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren: Tiffany (Steven) Letcher, Kaitlynn, Hannah, Rebekah, and Jacob Noble, Noah and Gabrielle Russell; great grandchildren: Max and Scarlet Letcher, and Tobias Russell; brother: Bob (Linda) Dixon, Shirland; sisters: Melba (Filipe) Perez, Rockford and Kathy (Antonio) Huerta, Egan.
Barbara is preceded in death by her Parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date this summer.
