Olive Arthella (Grouns) Russell

GREENWOOD

Olive Arthella (Grouns) Russell, 96, formerly of Greenwood went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, at Greenwood Village South in Greenwood.

Arthella was born Sept. 8, 1919, at the family farm in rural Gosport, to the late Earl and Olive (Fulford) Grouns. She was a graduate of Gosport High School and valedictorian of the class of 1938. She also graduated from Indiana Business College in 1939.

Arthella was married to the late Charles A. Russell.

She is survived by her children, Charlene Mann (Ron), Ronald Russell (Lori), Larry Russell (Shirley), Brian Russell (Terry) and Brenda VanFossen (Mark); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and brother, Perry Grouns (Loretta).

She is preceded in death by a brother, Earnest A. Grouns and sister, Wanda (Grouns) Mulligan.

Arthella retired after 14 years of service from American States Insurance Co. in Indianapolis. Never one to be afraid of hard work, she continued throughout her retirement to care for her elderly mother, volunteered in church and civic activities and managed her large family.

In 1992, she received the Gosport Lazy Days Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year Award for her dedication to the people of that community. Arthella was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. She was a member of the Gosport Christian Church but actively attended Greenwood Christian Church.

On Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, Arthella met Jesus. Although we wish she never had to leave, we know that God blessed her with 96 years of a wonderful life, and her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other lives she has touched. Her contagious joy, unconditional love and grateful heart were a testament of her relentless faith in Jesus Christ. She surrendered her life to the Lord fully and in doing so He used her to touch so many lives and share His love. She lived her life loving others, especially her family, always in dedication to them and a faithful prayer warrior to so many to the very end.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Gosport Christian Church with burial to follow at Gosport Cemetery. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Chandler Funeral Home-Whitaker Chapel in Gosport  Tuesday one hour prior to the services at the church.

Visit chandlerfh.com to share condolences, memories and more with Arthella’s family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Gosport Christian Church, P.O. Box 188 Gosport, IN 47433.