Marcella M. “Sally” Russell, 90, of Galesburg, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2020, in Seminary Manor.
She was born April 24, 1930, in McDonough County, the daughter of Godin B. and Lorena D. (Sanford) Nelson. She married Robert L. “Gus” Lytle on February 28, 1954, in the Galesburg Covenant Church. He preceded her in death on March 30, 1977. She later married John T. “J.T.” Russell on December 8, 1983, in Central Congregational Church. He preceded in death on September 12, 2012.
She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Julie A. Lytle of Galesburg; a step-daughter, Patricia L. Russell; three grandsons, Justin (Julie) Lytle, Tyler Lytle, and Chrispatrick Burgin-Lytle; six step-grandchildren, John (Leigh), William (Lauren), and Bradley (Amy) Russell, Madeleine Moffet, Charlie Moffet, and Samantha Platz; seven great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Julia P. Rude of Colona; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jay S. Lytle and Rodney D. Lytle; a step-son, Dr. Henry Russell; a daughter-in-law, Pamela Lytle; and a sister, Mary L. Thompson-Ervin.
Sally grew up in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1948. She was employed by Simpson-Powelson Lumber Company in the general office from 1948 to 1957 and from 1976 to 1983.
Sally was a member of the Galesburg Covenant Church from 1960 to 1984, and then from 1992 to the present. When she moved to Charlotte, N.C. in 1997, she became an affiliate member of the South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church and attended First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, Kansas after moving there in 2003. She was a member of the Central Congregational Church in Galesburg from 1984 to 1992.
Sally became an author in 2005 and wrote several novels of inspirational romance. She also wrote about a trip taken in 1987 with her husband on their Bayliner Cruiser.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside service will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Rev. Tom Ek will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Church, First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence, Kansas, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
