Joan M. Russell, 77, of Wakefield, went to be with her Lord Monday, July 18, 2011, in Wakefield, after a brief illness.
The former Joan Trevarthen was born on Nov. 12, 1933, in Bessemer, the daughter of Roy and Elma (Koivunen) Trevarthen. She graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1951. Joan then went to business school and became a legal secretary.
She worked in Toledo, Ohio, as a secretary for many years before retiring in 1978.
Joan was an active member of Living Water Missionary Assembly, where she played her autoharp.
She is survived by a brother, Bob (Pat) Trevarthen, Wakefield; a niece, Elma Strom, Marquette; and a nephew, Charles Trevarthen, Wakefield.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gerhart Russell; and a brother, Jim Trevarthen.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 26, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Living Water Missionary Assembly, 236 S. Mansfield St., Ironwood, where a memorial service will follow at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Gary Grabow officiating.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.