JoAnn Russell

JoAnn Annie Russell, age 70, of Potosi, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2012, at her home in Tennyson surrounded by her family. She was born on October 16, 1941, in Lancaster, the daughter of George Butch and Viola (Bierman) Kress. JoAnn graduated from Potosi High School in 1959. In September of 1959, JoAnn was married. She raised four children and was employed as a waitress at the Dug Out. JoAnn was later employed at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in housekeeping for twenty-seven years, retiring in November 2009. She enjoyed playing cards, dice, listening to George Jones and the Sunday radio show, the Roadhouse, going to the casino with her best friend, Hattie, camping and traveling to Branson, MO, with her sisters. JoAnns greatest love was spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her four children: Becky Harrison, Sun Prairie; Tammie (Joe) Vacha, Potosi; Craig Russell, Edgerton; Shelley (Phil) Spensley, Belmont; nine grandchildren: Tony, Sarah (Robert), and Abbey (Mike) Harrison; Eric (Katie) and Cody Vacha; Ryan and Cory Russell; Kyle (Angie) Spensley and Kayla (Matt) McGowan; two great-grandchildren: Zoey Russell and Lola Spensley; her brothers and sisters: Diana Sis Schaal, Potosi; John Kress, Dubuque, IA; Pete Kress, Lancaster; June (Kenny) Friederick, LaMotte, IA; Nelle Leibfried, Potosi; a sister-in-law: Suzanne Kress, Potosi; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by a brother, Eldon Kress; a sister-in-law, Sandy Kress; and a brother-in-law, Doug Schaal.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 9, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating. Burial was in Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi Township. Family and friends called on Thursday, March 8, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Martin Funeral Home in Potosi is serving the family.