Janice Lee Russell, 86, of Wolcottville, Indiana died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

She was born March 26, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Robert and Ruby (Spero) Brown.

On May 15, 1971, at Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church, she married Eldon Robert Russell, Jr.

Janice had worked as a custodian for 33 years at Silgan Plastics in Ligonier.

She was a devoted member of Woodruff Grove Church, where she enjoyed serving in the Kids' Club and sharing her faith with others. She was also a member of the Rome City American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. In earlier years, she was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Johnson Township Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She valued the friendships she made through these organizations.

She found great joy in sewing, crafting, gardening, and canning, and took pride in sharing the fruits of her talents with family and friends. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, whose love and laughter brought her the greatest happiness. Her caring heart, gentle spirit, and the memories she created with those she loved will be cherished always.

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Eldon R. Russell, Jr. of Wolcottville; two daughters, Marquita (Christopher) Rager of Wolcottville, and Karen (Mike) Edwards of Rome City; a son, Kevin Bode of Kendallville; ten grandchildren, Kristal (Mike) Fugate of Garrett, Kimberly (Matt) Schaeffer of Sturgis, Jimmy (Chandra) Mynhier of Ruther Glen, Virginia, Ashley (Fiancé, Rick Smith) Mynhier of Wolcottville, Thomas (Destynie Bellinger) Mynhier of Kendallville, Kylee (Jeremy) Baker of Kendallville, Kristopher (Jensen Reynolds) Edwards of Rome City, Kourtney (Scott) Baker of Huntertown, Lacey (Clifton) Burkheart of Albion, and Kolten (Sherra) Bode of Rome City; 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna (Jon) Hire of Auburn; Cheryl Stephens of Corunna; a brother, Dan (Tana) Brown of Hamilton; a sister-in-law, Judy (Larry) Bruner of LaGrange.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Marjorie and Robert Knott, Janet and Bill Badman, and Jean Ann Brown; a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Dorothy Brown; a brother-in-law, John H. Russell, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life services will be held at a later date.

Burial will be in Woodruff Cemetery near Wolcottville.

Preferred memorials are to the family to be used according to their wishes.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville is assisting the family with arrangements.

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