Elizabeth Ann Russell

Our beloved Elizabeth “Betts” Ann Russell of East Grand Rapids passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the age of 72. Betts was preceded in death by her father and mother, James and Virginia Nairn, her sister, Gina, and by her brother, Jim. She is survived by her husband, Bob, son, Nathan (Betsy), daughter, Anna (Ryan), and five grandchildren - Max, Johanna, James, Kathryn, and Maya.

Betts was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Her steadfast faith, hope for life eternal through the resurrection, and commitment to glorify God in every aspect of her life gave her the freedom to love and selflessly serve without holding back. Betts’ life was marked by service, compassion, random acts of kindness, hospitality, prayer, and acts of justice and advocacy. Betts was gifted with a sweet, warm personality that had the power to lift others up even in their lowest moments. Once you sat in Betts’ loving company, it was a given that you would walk away a kindred spirit! Though severe pain and physical limitations caused great suffering for Betts for many years, she chose to live a life full of indestructible joy.

Born on March 13, 1952, in Aliquippa, PA, Betts attended Catholic and public school as a young girl with “The Big 8”- eight wonderful friends that she was close with her entire life. During high school, she was involved in Canoe Trails, an explorer scout program that taught outdoor and backcountry skills and character and leadership development through camping and canoeing. Canoe Trails is where she met the love of her life, “Bobby” who served as a trainer for the program. She was 13, and he was 14! Though they started out as close friends and went to different schools, they always stayed close and knew deep down they had a love for one another that would never end. Their passion for adventure and “play” in the wilderness as a couple would shape how they raised their kids and created the foundation for a legacy of Russell family pursuits of outdoor adventure and exploration. Sports and extracurricular activities during the children’s school years were also a family focus.

After Betts earned her teaching degree at Slippery Rock University, Bob and Betts married on August 16, 1974. 50 years later, and less than 3 months ago, they celebrated their golden anniversary with their entire extended family. Their 50th marked a life of commitment to each other, love for their children and grandchildren, and is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to the entire Russell family. Full of stories, pictures, wedding day food and inquisitive question-asking from the grandchildren, their 50th celebration served as a capstone and mark of their faithful journey and partnership as a couple. It was indeed a “Dee Dah Day,” a joyful exclamation that Betts would attribute to any good day or special event. Betts and Bob had made it a goal at the beginning of 2024 to celebrate their 50th anniversary with their precious family!

Betts began her career in special education after graduation and marriage, teaching, and empowering students with severe and multiple impairments. She used her creativity to provide them with experiences they never had access to, like canoeing in her school’s swimming pool! When the family moved to East Grand Rapids from Western PA, she worked as a paraprofessional in a first-grade classroom at Breton Downs Elementary School, East Grand Rapids, where Anna and Nathan both attended. During Anna’s elementary years, Betts was the leader for the Breton Girl Scout Troop 321, where she planned unforgettable experiences like having high tea at the Serenity Tea Room—captured by News 8, taking the troop to Mackinac Island, and partnering with Talbot’s Kids to hold a fashion show with all the girls, to name a few. When she retired from her position as a parapro, she tutored many students from Breton in her home where she helped them reach their goals and poured courage and confidence into their lives. Many of these students became lifelong friends, loving and supporting Betts through her own life’s journey over the past decades.

Betts and Bob attended Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids where she was involved in women’s fellowship groups, Bible studies, and teaching adult Sunday school classes. Though health issues prevented her from attending over the last several years, she always upheld her commitment to pray and intercede for her brothers and sisters in Christ.

While Betts had an unending capacity to love everyone, all the time, one of her favorite avenues of pouring her life out onto others was through the intentional ways of living as “Nana” for her five grandchildren and “Aunt Betts” for her great nieces and nephew. She had a unique ability to turn ordinary routines into extraordinary adventures, and she infused special meaning into simple life rhythms. Her gift as an author and songwriter have also created lasting memories and life-giving impact to her children and grandchildren in profound and formative ways.

Betts’ family would like to offer special thanks to the host of family, friends, and neighbors who supported Betts and Bob over the years with gifts of home-cooked meals, grocery gift cards, visits, prayers, and many other acts of service. The village that loved and cared for both Betts and Bob was truly amazing and made their life extra special.

All are welcome to attend the visitation and memorial for Betts. The visitation will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 AM, at the Calvary Church Chapel, 707 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 where lunch will follow in the banquet hall. Memorial contributions may be made to “Jimmy’s Friendship Fund” within the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation (egrsf.org) or to an organization of your own choosing.

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