Irmtrud "Trudy" Russell (Muller)'s Obituary
An adventurous, independent, and always stylish woman, Irmtrud "Trudy" Russell, age 89, of Dayton, passed away on Monday, March 8th, 2021.
She was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany on November 8, 1931. She met her husband James H. Russell through friends while working as a translator at the American Liaison Office. The military brought them to Ohio. Once here, Trudy was a military wife and later worked as a translator for the German Liaison Office at Wright Pat.. a position she held for over 20 years. James and Trudy had a daughter, Mary Ann Russell, and they loved raising their girl together. As a family, they enjoyed walks at John Bryant Park, Wright State, Cowen Lake, and Ceasers Creek, and Sundays were a special walk at Wright State followed by ice cream afterward and a Walt Disney movie with good cheese, German bread and fruit. .
After James passed in 1995, Trudy enjoyed traveling to exotic places like Israel, China, Russia, India, and many others. She traveled with the OSHA Learning Center and various other groups. She loved going to the opera and the theatre and participated in a German Walking Group called the Volksmarch.
Trudy was a member at St. Helen's Church, and her Catholic faith was very important to her. She loved to study the Word of God, by taking classes at U.D. and with her Bible study group. Trudy loved the finer things in life, both in style and in food and enjoyed the opera, the Art Ball, the Dayton Philharmonic and various plays at the opera with friends. She was always doing something to enrich her life.
When Trudy needed more assistance, she and Mary Ann began enjoying various activities such as the Schuster Center, OSU games with friends, walks through Hills and Dales and Riverscape, as well as meeting the Galloway group along the bike path and going to Up and Running. They entered the Flying Pig a number of times, as well as the Air Force Marathon, and many other races, always supported by friends and enjoying the experience and festivities. They saw numerous shows at the Schuster Center, including the Sound of Music, Nutcracker, Rudolph, and various operas. She served with Mary Ann in Kids Club at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, which brought her so much joy as she taught them how to use Play-doh and share. She also served with Mary Ann for Team RWB, a health and wellness organization for Veterans, and volunteered at the VA. She loved all the fancy chocolates, enjoyed wine tastings, and had an affinity for quality DLM cheeses and bread. Everyone at DLM knew her, and she loved going there to see friends after a great walk.
During COVID-19 she enjoyed bird-watching, especially for Cardinals, Hallmark movies, and the beautiful garden. She also enjoyed having friends over, as she loved company. She was full of life and love and will be missed deeply by daughter, Mary Ann Russell, sister Anna Marie Schneider, and many friends.
To help the family celebrate her life, you are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held on Friday, March 19th, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Helen Church (605 Granville Place Riverside, OH 45431). Burial will take place at Dayton National Cemetery. The family will be planning a Life Celebration in the coming weeks, details will be posted on her Book of Memories page.
In lieu of flowers, a statue of a cardinal or angel can be sent in memory of Trudy, or pictures and a bible verse are always welcome as well (please send to 410 Renoir Place, Dayton, Ohio 45431). Donations can be sent to Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45420) or Alzheimer's Association (Miami Valley Chapter, 31 W. Whipp Rd., Dayton, OH 45459).
During this difficult time, if you are feeling ill or unhealthy in any way, you are encouraged to pay your respects in alternative methods, such as sending a sympathy card or sharing a memory through Trudy's online book of memories. If you plan to attend services, please be sure to bring your mask to wear while you are inside.
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