Melba L. Russell

Herrin- Melba L. Russell, 86, of Herrin, died at 12:54 AM, Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Herrin Hospital. Melba was born on November 15, 1923 in Wayne Co., IL to Fred & Cora (Grove) Blessing. She married Edward E.C. Russell on May 2, 1942 in Centralia. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2004. Melba worked for several years as a secretary for the US Government during WWII, but later owned and managed Russells Texaco in Herrin from 1948 until her retirement in 1980. Melba was an active member and former deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Herrin. In her later years, Sunday dinners with her friends from church were one of her favorite weekly activities. She had a green thumb and enjoyed planting and gardening and was known for the climbing red roses that adorned her front porch on 13th St in Herrin. She loved and cared for animals, especially dogs, but her grandchildren were her most cherished. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Survivors include- Son- Ed Russell and wife Sherry of Herrin Grandchild- Shannie Russell and fianc Travis Smith of Chicago Grandchild- Ryan Russell of Scottsdale, AZ She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers- Orlin & Darrell Blessing. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Dan Whitfield will officiate. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Herrin. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until time of service, Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Herrin First Presbyterian Church and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948.