Constance Rice Russell

Constance Rice Russell, 92, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, with her three beloved children by her side

Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania in 1932 to Edyth Wilson Rice and George Webster Rice, Connie attended high school in White Plains, New York and earned her undergraduate degree from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, where she met the love of her life the late (Ret) Major General Philip King Russell.

Together they embarked on a meaningful, adventure-filled life, traveling the world and making homes in New York, North Carolina, Pakistan, Thailand, Maryland, and Colorado; forming close, lasting friendships all along the way. Their marriage was a true partnership, perfectly balanced and full of devotion and love. Together they raised three children, whom she leaves behind, Katherine Kingsbery (Doug Kingsbery), Ellen Herting (Chris), and Richard Russell (Kristie). She was a loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Connie’s hands were rarely still. She was a phenomenal cook, legendary entertainer and an officer’s wife exemplar. She was a talented seamstress, kept an immaculate house, and would not pass a weed she didn’t pull. She was an excellent bridge player often regaling her family with tales of the poorly bid hands of others. Her budgeting and checkbook-balancing skills were impeccable, never to be seen without her trusty four-color retractable BIC pen. She never met a stranger and never forgot a name.

Above all else, Connie was most proud of her sixty-five-year marriage to Phil and the family that they created together. To Connie, nothing was more important than family. Together they built a loving and ever-expanding family into which they poured their time and love, passed on their traditions, and created lasting memories. Connie was the consummate matriarch of the family and carried out that role with loving devotion, dependability, and decisiveness.

She relished her role as “Nonnie” to her six grandchildren whom she adored—Russell Kingsbery (Tarrah Kingsbery), Kelsey Kingsbery (Mark Eisen), Webster Kingsbery (Corinne Kingsbery), Avery Russell, Peyton Russell, and Taylor Russell. In their words, Nonnie was the very best storyteller, backscratcher, “yummy cake” maker and museum explorer. She leaves her grandchildren with cherished memories of cross-country adventures skiing in the Rocky Mountains, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, and making sand-tart cookies at Christmas. She was also treasured by her six great-grandchildren Carson, Nora, Jackson, Eva, Philip, and Grant.

Connie is also survived by her sister Susan Feaster, her sister-in-law Martha Tamblin and her many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. She leaves her family with decades of fond memories, but her legacy will live on through the family traditions instilled and the life lessons she imparted.

A private service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made in the name of Connie Russell to the Wind Crest Resident Care Fund or Wind Crest Student Scholarship fund. Gifts may be sent to Wind Crest, Attn: Philanthropy, 3235 Mill Vista Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Please make the check payable to Wind Crest and include Connie’s name and either Resident Care or Scholarship in the memo line.