Obituary of Rosie Russell

BAKERS MILLS/NORTH CREEK:  Rosalie M. “Rosie” Russell, 84, formerly of State Route 8, completed her journey through life, entering the arms of the Lord, and was reunited with her beloved husband Leo, on February 7, 2024.

Born August 19, 1939, in Warrensburg, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Celia (Morehouse) Belden.  The last of six children and one-half sister, Mary Jane Morehouse Meader.

Rosie’s family settled in North Creek in 1953.  She attended a one room schoolhouse on Goodman Road in Johnsburg and attended Johnsburg Central School.  Her first bus driver was Elfreda Beattie.

She married Leo J. Russell on November 12, 1955 at the North Creek Baptist Parsonage, on a cold day.  Rosie’s parents were the attendants.  Rosie always remarked “We didn’t have much money but we had a whole lot of love.”  Rosie was a hard worker, despite many health setbacks.  She spent 39 ski seasons at Gore Mountain’s Centerplate Concession, where she made many lasting friendships.  Rosie was also employed for 26 summer seasons throughout the Lake George region at Riley’s, Mr. B’s and the Rexall Drug Store; where she remained friends with Albert & Sue Perrone, Mary Frasier, Michael & Pam Riley and Sadie & Bruce Kilburn, the best bosses anyone could have asked for.

Rosie enjoyed visiting with friends, and stopping what ever she was doing to help anyone that needed a favor.  She enjoyed baking, gardening, canning, and making jams and jellies.  She would wake up before the sun to make sure the guys had a big breakfast before their days hunt and enjoyed listening to their stories from days past.

In addition to her parents, Rosie is predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Leo J. Russell who passed away in 2004, and her sisters, Doris Conners, Mary Jane Morehouse Meader, Louise Belden. Three brothers, Kenneth, Charles and Forrest Belden.

She is survived by three sons, who each hold a special place in her heart and she loved dearly.  Richard Russell and his companion, Denise Wood of Bennington VT, William Russell and his wife Wendy of Johnsburg, and Kevin Russell of Bakers Mills and his friend, Lynn Davis of Chestertown.  Three grandchildren, Anthony Russell and wife Natasha, Lindsey Russell all of Warrensburg.  Bruce Bartlett and his companion Loretta Prosser of Pottersville. Six Great Grandchildren, Alyssa and Michael Russell, Lillian and Lucus Bliss of Warrensburg, Emma Ruth and Jace Bartlett of Pottersville.  A special cousin Myrna Belden of Warrensburg.  She also leaves behind several cousins. Rosie had many friends too many to mention.

A very special thank you to the girls at the North Creek Community Bank for their kindness and help and her Sodom Community Church family.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Rosie’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Heart Association, or the Sodom Community Church.

Friends may call on Rosie’s family Noon to 2pm on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY.  A funeral service to celebrate her beautiful life will immediately follow the visitation at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Allen, Pastor of the Sodom Community Church officiating.

Burial will take place this spring in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg.

Rosie wishes everyone to wear what you are most comfortable wearing.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.