Thelma DuVal Mary Russell
Thelma “Mary” DuVal Russell, 97, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2019. She was the daughter of the late Dolly and Edwin Howe DuVal of Little Rock, Arkansas. Rosary 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 11; service 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 12, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Preceded in death by her husband, Glenn E. Russell, former Sr. Vice President of the Fourth National Bank, her brother, Edward DuVal, and sister Lois DuVal Fortson. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life was dedicated to her church, husband, family, and friends. She served as a sponsor for the CYO at All Saints Catholic Church, and as the president of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Altar Society. She had a zest for life which she shared with all. While tap dancing in a USO show, she met her husband of 47 years, then Lt. Russell. Separated during the war, she and Glenn found each other again and corresponded by letter until 1943 when Glenn proposed marriage. They were married in Durham, North Carolina that same year. Later in life she gifted her children and grandchildren with a book about her adoption and life, entitled, I Danced Along the Way. Survivors include: daughters, Janet Grosdidier (Lawrence) of Kansas City, Glenda Flanagan (Jerry) of Louisburg, Ruth Howard of Wichita, Alice Bloom (Barry) of Wichita; son, Dennis (Lucy) of Marana, AZ; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford, Wichita, KS, 67206 for the benefit of the Altar Society, and Larksfield Place, 2828 N. Governeour, Wichita, KS, 67226 where she was a resident for 15 years. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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With deepest sympathy.
Thelma was part of our family. She and my Mom, Ellen Dailey were best friend since the were in grade school in Little Rock. She was like a second Mom to me. We love all of you and our prayers are with you at this difficult time
Mary or Mrs Russell to me for many years when I first started with Bank IV, was a genuine caring person. I owe a great deal to her husband Glenn for his support and recall many pleasant occasions with the two of them. They were a special couple..
Janet, Glenda, Dennis, Ruth and Alice
When I read your mothers obituary Sunday morning, I could not help but think that with her death the link that forged the lives of our two families was broken. The relationship between your parents and mine was notable for its early beginning (our fathers lived down the street from each other in 1920), for its continuance even as we all were born and grew up in Wichita (and spent a couple of summers in Colorado), and for its cycle in that our parents, in their later years, lived two blocks from each other. When my wife and I went to Larksfield Memory Care about four years ago to visit one of our church members, we came upon your mother sitting in a lounge area with some friends. She introduce Jonnie and me with her story that she took care of me in 1949 while my parents were at the hospital awaiting the birth of my sister. On that day she also told me about her book that she had written and checked it out to me to read, which I faithfully did. After such a long and productive and fulfilling life, may she rest in peace.
Dear Family, I dont think any of you would remember me. Im Donna Miller I worked with your father at Fourth Natl., Bank. He was truly a Gentleman and I truly appreciated his friendship. I remember when I met your Mother I loved her beautiful smile and it was like I had known her all my life. The city has lost two wonderful souls, Im so glad to of known both of them.
God Bless & Im praying for you all
Harold & Donna Miller
She was a very classy lady and true to the Catholic faith. She was a delight to be around. Was glad I got to met her on several occasion. May she rest in peace.
Our dear Mary literally danced into our lives 28 years ago at a New Years Eve party at the Crown Uptown Theatre, and we fell in love with her from the first moment. Our extraordinary friendship continued from that day on, and our love for her lives on. Mary was the personification of generosity, kindness, elegance and class. Rest in peace our dear Mary.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.