Dorothy P. Russell

Dorothy P. Russell, 105, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus where their staff, with Gentiva Hospice, had taken great care of her for two weeks.

Dorothy saw many changes in her lifetime of nearly 106 years. She was born in 1918 on Christmas Eve in her 654 Hopley Ave. home, the only child of the late Claude and Maude (Nelson) Borts. Her father built the house with native lumber from her grandfather, William Nelson’s family farm and sawmill on Beck Road. She reminisced about her favorite draft horse, “Jim,” growing up that led the buggy and worked the fields both planting and harvesting on the Nelson farm. Dorothy was the last surviving member of the Bucyrus High School Class of 1936. She rode to Galion on street cars that ran from Washington Square in Bucyrus before acquiring a 1949 Chevrolet as her first car. Many makes and models followed until she stopped driving at age 101. She lived through the depression, wars, two worldwide pandemics, and so much more. 

Dorothy loved to cook, sew crafts, knit, ride trains, and travel. She collected well over 1000 cookbooks, made the best pies, homemade bread, and apple butter. Her family never went hungry, and she was all too happy to lend a hand or offer advice about cooking. She also loved to mow and took meticulous care of her lawn until very recently. 

Dorothy is survived by daughters, Claudia Russell, Bonnie White, and Janice Rish and grandson, Eric (Kim) White. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William W. Russell Jr.; sons-in-law, Mike White and Ron Rish; and grandson, Aaron White. 

All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends on Friday, November 8 from 4-7 pm and the funeral will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday with Pastor Dave Dissinger officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. 

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to New Hope Community Church Food Pantry and given though the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.