Mary Faith Russell

Mary Faith Russell, 86, of Columbia, MO passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Moniteau Care Center in California, MO.

She was born on October 21, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas, to Clarence and Ruth (Davis) Pellett, both of whom preceded her in death.

Mary Faith was united in marriage on June 13, 1953, to William W. Russell, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2010.

She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Wichita State University and her Masters in sociology from Washington University in St. Louis. While still raising her family, Mary Faith went back to school in the 1970s and obtained her Missouri State teaching certificate. She taught high school social studies for 19 1/2 years at Lafayette High School in St. Louis County, developing two highly popular courses in the areas of Criminology and Law & Justice.

Mary Faith was a devoted wife and mother and she and her husband Bill enjoyed 57 years of marriage, intensely sharing their love of God, family, friends, and social justice. She was an accomplished writer, expressing profound insights into life, spirituality and human nature in beautifully crafted essays. Mary Faith was a great listener and ardent supporter of many people, including family and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Faith was preceded in death by her brother, Robert F. Pellett of Wichita, Kansas.

She is survived by her son Jeffrey Russell of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter Sallie Russell (Jos Peinado), of Valencia, Spain, and daughter Marianne (Bob) Marti of California, MO, grandchildren Daniel and Sara Peinado Russell, Louise and Francis Marti, and dear friends who are family, Tim, Barbara and Justin Grotrian.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church in Columbia, MO.
Memorials are suggested to Calvary Episcopal Church, 123 S. Ninth Street, Columbia MO 65201

Service Information

Visitation Saturday
February 14, 2015
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Calvary Episcopal Church
123 South Ninth Street
Columbia, MO 65201 Memorial Service Saturday
February 14, 2015
11:00 AM
Calvary Episcopal Church
123 South Ninth Street
Columbia, MO 65201

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