Ruth "Alberta" Russell

Ruth “Alberta” Russell, 101, passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Lakeland, Florida on April 2, 2022. She was born on July 13, 1920, in Delaware County, Indiana to Walter & Grace Studebaker. She graduated from Royerton High School, Delaware Co in 1938. On June 10, 1978, she married Charles O Russell who preceded her in death on Jan 23, 2001. She had worked at H.L. Green Co in Muncie IN, Delaware Co Dept of Public Welfare, J.F. Brewer Accounting and retired in 1981 as Office Manager for The Lions Club Delaware County Fair, Inc., Muncie, IN. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL. Where she was a past member of the Cathedral Choir and helped with the Children’s Choir for several years. She also volunteered in the office with the News Crew. She was a past member of The Tuesday Music Club and past President of the Lakeside Singers in her park and served as Block Captain for many years. She Initiated “Cheer Baskets for Shut Ins” and sponsored the Annual Salvation Army Angel Tree for more than 20 years while also organizing her park prayer chain. She is survived by son David Alan Bettegnies (Kim) Sweetser, IN, daughter Teresa Marie Mielke (Roger) Lakeland, FL and daughter in law Karen, Greenfield, IN, Stepson Phil Russell (Pegi) Orange, CA, Stepdaughter Jayne Ann Barker (Terry), South Bend, IN. Sister Donna Marie McDonald (John) Sun City, FL. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Charles O Russell, parents, Walter & Grace Studebaker, brother Raymond M Studebaker, sister Catherine May Thomas, son Richard E Bettegnies, daughter Cynthia Grace Russell, stepson Ronald Russell, step-grandson, Ryan Russell, and granddaughter Nicole Stroup. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801. The family has requested that all wear “pink” to her Memorial Service, her favorite color.