Catherine Quillin Russell

Catherine Quillin "Kitty" Russell passed away peacefully on September 7, 2010 surrounded by her children, and quietly supported by her extended family and many friends. Kitty Russell was born in Gate City, Virginia, on May 30, 1921. She was the youngest of the 8 children of Charles M. and Dora M. Quillin. In the summer of 1941 she travelled with two of her sisters "out west" to visit relatives in Gallup, New Mexico. It was during this trip that she met the love of her life, John Henry Russell from Roswell, who was working on the road crew to pay for his education at University of Texas. John wrote her a letter every day they were apart. Kitty graduated with honors from Radford College in 1942 and married soon thereafter. John worked at Tennessee Eastman, later enlisting in the Navy during WWII. He was sent to Los Alamos, NM as part of the Manhattan Project. After the war, John and Kitty remained in Los Alamos where they raised their four children. Kitty and John were charter members of The United Church of Los Alamos and were actively engaged in the community. After John's death in 1989, Kitty remained in Los Alamos until the forest fire of 2000. Kitty then moved to Santa Fe and lived many happy years at El Castillo Retirement Community. Early this year, with deteriorating health, she moved to Kingston Residences. Kitty is survived by her daughter Kay of Santa Fe, son Bob & wife Robin of Vancouver, Canada, son Craig & wife Astrid of Los Osos, California, and daughter Libby & husband Greg of Vancouver, Canada, plus 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Kitty was a person of deep religious faith, which always sustained her, particularly through her many years with serious health difficulties. Her deep commitment to and support for her family were paramount in her life and, as her friends can attest, would be her constant topic of conversation. She will be cherished by all who knew her as an elegant and gracious lady, who could always make others feel loved and accepted. Her discreet but unfailing generosity helped many in need of assistance. Kitty's legendary pies will be fondly remembered by her loving friends and admirers. The memorial service led by Rev. Dr. Taylor McConnell was held on September 11, 2010 at St. John's United Methodist Church of Santa Fe. Reception followed.