RUSS, Arah Elizabeth

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/12/2006 Arah Elizabeth Russ, 88 of Woodruff, died May 6, 2006. Arah was the oldest of six children and was born June 30, 1917 in Calhoun, Okla. She grew up in the country and gained a love for nature through her parents. Her father was a logger and a farmer. She was married Nov. 14, 1936 to Herbert Russ. They moved to Arizona in 1946, seeking better employment opportunities. Arah and Herbert landed in Holbrook where they lived and worked all over the White Mountain region. Herbert cowboy'd and logged in the area and Arah spent her time tending to their six children. Arah enjoyed fishing and camping, loved the birds, and she passed that love onto her children. She was a quilter, did embroidery, and she loved to read the Bible. Arah was famous for her Raisin Pie. Family was her life. Arah is survived by five of her children; Sue (Orville) Baird of Cornville, Patsy (Robert) Wren of Woodruff, Sally (L.T.) Jackson of Lakeside, Robert (Donna) Russ of Burton, and Dan (Debbie) Russ of Burton; 17 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Russ; her daughter Alice Simpson, and five grandchildren. A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Owens Mortuary, Show Low. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 10 at the Burton Baptist Church. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.