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Florine Lola Russell, age 94, formerly of Scotts, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo following a brief illness. She was born in Augusta, MI on April 16, 1914 the daughter of Roy and Florence Smith. She was a graduate of Augusta High School and later attended Cosmetology School. She briefly operated a Beauty Shop in Augusta, and later worked for the Shakespeare Company in Kalamazoo. Florine was married to Gilbert Russell on July 5, 1938 in LaGrange, IN. He died in 2007.
Florine enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and card-playing. She especially enjoyed bowling, and continued to bowl in leagues until the age of 88. She was a member of the Pythian Sisters of Scotts and the Eastern Star in Climax.
Florine is survived by 2 sons and their spouses, David & Chris Russell of Little Rock, AR and Dale & Judy Russell of Vicksburg; son in law, Fred Kline of Scotts; 5 grandchildren, Heather & Steve Puustinen of Scotts, Mike & Pam Kline of Mendon, Steve & Janet Kline of Vicksburg, Sandy & Lance Colton of North Platt, NE, and Michelle & Dale Sanders of St. Louis, MO; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gilbert; a daughter, Patricia Kline; a brother, Kenneth Smith; and a sister, Phyllis LaFlame.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at the funeral home with DeWayne Drallette officiating. Burial will follow in Gilson Cemetery near Climax. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
