Obituary of Alfreda "Betty" Russell

Alfreda Beryl “Betty” Russell (nee Young)

Betty Russell passed away with her daughter Pat by her side at Fairview Personal Care Home on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Betty was born on the family farm in Griswold, MB to Alfred Stewart Young and Tannis Minota Young (Middleton) on March 19, 1923. Betty went to school in Griswold from grades one through eleven, with grade twelve being taken in Oak Lake, MB. This was followed by Normal School in Brandon in 1942. She taught at Havelock School near Minnedosa, Park School in Brandon and for 32 years at Elkhorn Elementary School. Betty married David Clifford Russell, son of Rev. John and Edna Russell of Portage la Prairie, on July 11, 1945. With Cliff being in the air force, Cliff and Betty began their lives together living in Souris.  After the war ended they moved to Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie and Virden. They welcomed daughter, Patricia Elaine while living in Virden and moved to Elkhorn in 1947. In 1989 they settled in Brandon. Over the years Betty was active in the United Church Circle in Elkhorn, the Order of the Royal Purple and the Manitoba Teachers Society. Once in Brandon, Betty was a member of Trinity United Church. Betty will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Patricia Shtokalko; grandsons Mark and Christopher (Adrienne) Newman; four great granddaughters; sister in law Donna Young of Oak Lake, MB as well as many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents her parents Tannis and Alfred, step mother Mrytle Young (McKinnon); husband David; brothers David and William and son in law Ernest Shtokalko. Cremation has taken place.  A graveside service for Betty will take place at Griswold Cemetery on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.