Obituary of Charlotte Olmstead Russell

Savannah: Charlotte Olmstead Russell, originally of Savannah, died at the Huntington Living Center in Waterloo on Friday February 28th, 2014. She would have been 91 in a few days. Mrs. Russell was born daughter of Arthur and Maude Mead Olmstead on March 9, 1923 on a farm that had been in her family for generations. She graduated from Savannah High School as class valedictorian. Marrying Ward Donovan Russell, she became partner in many adventures including ownership of the Quality Cooperage Company and the Riverside Camp Ground. An accomplished musician and vocalist, Charlotte was often the pianist/organist at the Savannah Methodist Church. It was common for her to entertain musically in her home and to serve meals for which she was renowned. Mrs. Russell was also an active Eastern Star. She was a skillful gardener of beautiful flowers, vegetables, fruit, and children. Upon retirement, the Russell’s joined relatives who lived in Pensacola, Florida. They made many good friends there and were active in church and other groups. As she had in NY, Charlotte continued to help neighbors in everyday need. In retirement Charlotte and Ward also traveled in North America, Europe and southern Africa. Charlotte is survived by daughter Cheri and son in law Jeff Lenhert of New Mexico, son Donovan and daughter in law Carol Russell of Moravia, son Stephen Russell and family of Savannah, son Vermont State Representative Herbert Russell, and grandson Brett Russell of Nevada. Mrs. Russell was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, grandson Bradford Russell, her sister Katherine and brother in law Lawson Thompson of Waddington, and niece Judy Thompson of New York City. Charlotte was especially fond of niece Katherine (Thompson) Cauraugh and family of San Ramon, Ca. Visitation, funeral, and interment at Crusoe Cemetery will be this spring at the family’s convenience. Memorial contributions in memory of Charlotte may be directed to the Heights Baptist Church, 600 Pickens Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503-6497. Arr: Norton Funeral Home of Savannah.