Betty J Russell

Betty J. Coleman Russell was born on September 16, 1940 and departed this world to live with Jesus on April 17, 2013. Betty was born in Indianapolis to Hubert and Virginia Coleman. She graduated from Southport High School in 1958. She attended Indiana Central for a few years where she studied education. Betty married James Russell in 1960. They have two children, Susie and Cathy. Betty was married until 2000 when she and Jim divorced. Betty attended Carmel United Methodist Church for many years while living in Carmel. She attended in Bible Study Fellowship and was very active in the church. She also attended Orchard Park Presbyterian Church as well as St. Marks United Methodist Church, both for a short time. Her last church membership was at Servants of Christ Lutheran Church where she was active in prayer group and helping in the office as well as fulfilling many other responsibilities. Betty was a member of the Carmel Literary Club. She was also a Girl Scout leader for many years and was a lifetime member. She also participated in PTO at Carmel with her girls' schools. She had been a member of the Maxinkuckee Yacht Club for the many years that she was able to be at the lake. More recently she had reunited with a group of ladies from Southport High School. She enjoyed monthly meetings and get togethers with these ladies. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi and has been active with them until the past year when she didn't feel so well. Betty enjoyed being a mother and grandmother. She was always supportive and willing to watch the grandchildren especially at the lake so the adults could be on the water. Traditions were very important to her, and she always made the holidays special. Betty suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since her early 20s. Over these many years, she has had multiple surgeries to fuse joints that were crippled by the terrible disease. More recently, the disease had started to attack her lungs and her heart. Through all of this pain, Betty never complained. She continued to serve others as best as she could. She was a servant at heart and was happiest when she was making others happy. She was generous with her love, her time, and her finances. Betty is survived by her daughters, Susie (Roger) Hartzell, and Cathy (Chris) Chandler. She has seven grandchildren, Natalie (Julien) Brand, Samantha (Shane) Keen, Rebekah Hartzell, Zachary Hartzell, Carli Chandler, Kyle Chandler, and Seth Hartzell. She has three great grandchildren, Henry Brand, Sophie Brand, and Elise Keen. She also has a God son, Nick Hanania. Her sibilings Peggy (Jerry) Hart, Rosie Carle, and Rick (Mel) Coleman also survive. She also has 10 nieces and nephews as well as their spouses and children. Betty will be remembered for her constant love, her generous support, her servant's heart, and her love for God whom she dwells with now and for eternity. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan