Ruth Jane (Hunter) Russell

Ruth Jane (Hunter) Russell entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2025. She was born October 17, 1931, in Newark, NJ, the only child of Leslie Hunter and Miriam E. (Miller) Hunter. Ruth grew up in Kearny, NJ, attended local schools before transferring to Montrose School for Girls in Essex Fells for her senior year of high school.

During her teenage summers, Ruth worked at Word of Life Camp, where she first met Philip Russell. After high school, she enrolled at Providence Bible Institute which later became Barrington Bible College. During her time there, she and Phil began courting. Ruth graduated in 1953; and on June 20, 1953, Ruth and Philip were married.

Together, Ruth and Phil made their home in Kearny, NJ, where they raised four children. Ruth’s life was anchored in her deep faith, love for family, and joyful service, especially hospitality. A gifted musician, she played the organ and piano for many church gatherings; and often sang beautiful duets with Phil. Their love for music echoed in family road trips and celebrations alike.

Ruth and Phil moved to the Smoky Mountains of NC in 1991 where they enjoyed a vibrant Church life at Waynesville Christian Fellowship for over 34 years. Ruth also served multiple years on the board of Christian Women of Haywood County. They lived in a cozy Waynesville neighborhood alongside some truly wonderful neighbors. Phil went home to be with the Lord in August 2019. Ruth soldiered on until her recent health declined in spring of 2025.

Ruth is remembered by her four children and their spouses: Leonard and Virginia Bell, Donna Courter, Bob and Jo-Ann Russell, and Dave and Patty Russell. She was a loving grandmother to Keith and Jonathan Russell, and Brian, Daniel, and Christopher Bell. Her nine great-grandchildren brought her great joy, and their pictures filled her home.

Ruth’s life was one of faith, devotion, and love. She now rests in the arms of her Savior, reunited with her beloved Phil, and at peace in the eternal home she so often spoke of with hope.

An informal celebration of life reception will be held at Waynesville Christian Fellowship on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the ministries Ruth loved, including:

· Waynesville Christian Fellowship (https://waynesvillechristianfellowship.org/), 1115 Dellwood Rd, Waynesville NC 28786

· Camp Living Water (https://www.camplivingwater.com/), 1510 West Deep Creek Road, Bryson City, NC 28713. https://donate.stripe.com/7sI17I6yx1Z5aL6144

· Word of Life Camps (https://camps.wol.org/), Schroon Lake, NY https://give.wol.org/

The care of Ms. Russell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.