GRACE J. (HANNAFORD) RUSSELL
Grace Jeanette (Hannaford) Russell, 83, died November 21, 2021 at Sterling, Colo., Regional Medical Center.
She was born June 4, 1938 at Auburn, the only child of Omar and Leone Hannaford. Grace attended elementary school in a small rural schoolhouse located between Auburn and the farm she grew up on near Brownville. Grace spoke fondly of being able to ride her horses to school and roller skating in the basement of the schoolhouse. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1955 and attended Peru State College. Grace married Roger Russell November 14, 1959 in Auburn.
She worked more than 30 years as an elementary music teacher and substitute teacher in both Cozad, Nebraska and Sterling,Colorado. Mrs. Russell was known and loved by generations of students. She was a skilled pianist and accompanied many music students earning them trophies and honors in musical performance.
Grace enjoyed reading, traveling, genealogy and antiques, watching and caring for birds and wildlife and collecting memorabilia. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 263.
Surviving are her husband, Roger; son, Ryan G. of Ryder, N.D.; daughter, Rae Lee (Russell) Jones of Rawlins, Wyo.; five grandchildren, Janell M. Fuller Solomon, Rachelle A. (Russell) Busse, Race M. Russell, Rygel A. Russell and Joshua O. Jones; nine great-grandchildren, Dean M. Thompson, Tarie N. Thompson, Jarvis C. Simpson, Leon R. Russell, R-Lee M. Russell, Raygen Russell, Ryder Russell, Riggs Russell and Ryett Cole Russell and one great-greatgrandchild, Kassara Rose Berckefeldt.
She was preceded by a grandchild, Jaren X. Jones and one great-grandchild, Raya A. Russell.
A memorial service will be planned in eastern Nebraska this summer.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the RE-1 Valley School District music program at RE-1 Valley Foundation P.O. Box 129, Sterling, CO 80751 or through Colorado Gives page https:// www.coloradogives.org/RE-1 Valley Foundation by clicking on the Donate in honor or memory option.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at www. chaney-reager.com or sent to Roger Russell c/o Laramie Care Center, 503 S. 18th St., Room 110, Laramie, WY 82070; Rae Jones, P.O. Box 326, Rawlins, WY 82301 or Ryan Russell, 5287 25th St. NW, Ryder, N.D., 58779.