Mary Ann Russell

Mary Ann Latimer Russell, age 97, died November 17, 2012. She was born July 20, 1915, the daughter of John E. Latimer Sr. and Emma Cole Latimer in Vilonia, Arkansas. She was a graduate of Vilonia High School and Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA). She married the love of her life, Belton L. Russell, after his return from World War II and having no children, they doted on numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Mrs. Russell's love and dedication to her family were freely expressed. Mrs. Russell began her teaching career in a one- room school and taught nearly all grades throughout her career, finally settling on her favorite grade, the Fifth. Her career in education spanned 37 years and her teaching posts included Vilonia, Mineral Springs, Perry, Cabot, Boone Park and 7th Street in North Little Rock. After her retirement, she treasured her associations with her colleagues and former students. She was a serious student of Arkansas history. When the state observed its Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1986, Mrs. Russell commissioned the flag which the state used replicating Arkansas' admission as the 25th state to the Union. Mrs. Russell's husband died in 1960. She honored him and his service to our country by serving as secretary/treasurer of the Forty First Armored Infantry Regiment Medical Detachment of the Second Armored Division, assisting with the organization's annual reunions for more than 40 years. Mrs. Russell was an active member and held numerous offices and positions in Alpha Delta Kappa, Kappa Iota. She was active at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church and lifelong member of Vilonia United Methodist Church. Mrs. Russell was predeceased by her parents , husband, Belton L. Russell, sister Nan McHenry, brother John E. Latimer, Jr., nephew John R. McHenry. She is survived by her nieces and nephews John Latimer (Pat) Heber Springs, Marolyn Lee, Madeline Simmons (Glenn) Lonoke, Joe McHenry Plano, Tesxas, Glynita Wilson (Jim) Oviedo, Fla. Sandy Speights (Gene) Scott, Danny Russell Bauxite, Jay Russell (Lee) Los Angeles, Calif., Larry Russell (Glyneva) Sherwood, Gayle Russell (Carol) North Little Rock, Karen French (Keith) North Little Rock, a brother-in-law, Oce Russell, Los Angeles, Calif., sisters–in-law, Vera Russell, Ometa Russell, North Little Rock, a host of great and great-great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. The family wishes to express special thanks to loving caregivers Barbara Pearson, Cathy Henderson and Kathy Hatton, C.N.A. with Arkansas Hospice and their attending staff. Memorials may be made to Gardner United Methodist Church, 1723 Schaer, North Little Rock, Ark. 72114; Vilonia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 460, Vilonia, Ark. 72073; Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Cr., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 10 a.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway. Burial will follow at Vilonia Cemetery, Vilonia. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.