Orleeta May Russell, 82, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on August 28, 2024. She was surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter, Julie, who has acted as her primary caregiver in her final years. Her funeral services were held on Saturday, August 31st at Memory Gardens in Coshocton, Ohio.

Born on December 27, 1941, Orleeta was the youngest child of Arthur Jones and Ivey Brown. Following the untimely death of her father, Orleeta grew up with her mother and five siblings: Margaret, Dorothy, John, Arthur (Art), and Walter. Orleeta’s youthful, mischievous spirit landed her in hot water at times with her mom and older siblings, including the time she was caught playing at a nearby strip mine.

Her life changed when she had her first child in 1958. Orleeta realized then her calling to be a mother and caretaker to her children, foster children, and grandchildren. She never let someone she loved walk out the door without letting them know how much she loved them. Whether it was through her many actions, words, or famous peanut butter fudge, Orleeta knew just how to bring comfort to those she cared about.

Orleeta is survived by her husband of 39 years, Donald Russell. Their love and devotion to one another is a testament that soulmates truly exist. She will be dearly missed by her children: Thomas (Brenda) Reigle, Timothy (Melinda) Reigle, Susan (Charles) West, Connie (Rick) Hale, Julie Russell (Todd Raber), Shon Russell, and Kim (Lynn) Arnold; foster child Melissa Chrostowski; grandchildren Timothy, Cassie, Chris, Jon, Thomas, Chelsea, Krystle, Derrik, Sasha, Heath, Michael, Bryan, Nick, Amanda, Alyssa, Tera, Felicia, Nikki, Makayla, and Michael; and 39 great-grandchildren. Orleeta was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and siblings Margaret Watson, Dorothy Hustead, John Jones, Arthur (Art) Jones Jr., and Walter Jones.

Free now from the pain she suffered in this Earthly world, Orleeta surely gave those she was reunited with all of her love⎯a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck⎯as she entered the gates of Heaven.