Verlene Rigby Russell

Verlene Rigby Russell passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at McKay-Dee Hospital after a short illness.

She was born July 22, 1928 in Hooper, Utah. She was the daughter of Maude Elizabeth Jones and Hyrum Lavern Rigby. She spent her early years in Hooper and moved to Mesa, Arizona as a teen. She graduated from high school in Weber County and then attended Weber State College.

Verlene married the love of her life, Duane Patterson Russell, on November 20, 1947 in Hooper, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden LDS Temple. Duane passed away on October 15, 2005. Together they had four children: Elizabeth, Robert, John, and Anne. They lived in Sunset from 1960 until 2001 when they built a new home on their family farm in Hooper. Her most important priority throughout her life was her family. She established many family traditions treasured by her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

She spent more than 8,500 hours over the course of more than forty years volunteering at St. Benedicts and McKay-Dee Hospitals. She retired after many years of employment from McKay-Dee Hospital. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she magnified many church callings.

Verlene loved reading, and the written word brought her joy. She cross-stitched many beautiful items that decorate her home and the home of her family and friends. She enjoyed sewing and was meticulous in the items she made. She made beautiful dresses for her great-granddaughter, Jancee. She loved to learn and continued this passion throughout her life. She travelled whenever she had the opportunity, including to her favorite place, Hawaii.

The family would like to express appreciation for the wonderful caregivers at McKay Dee Hospital. Their service and care provided comfort to Verlene and support to the family during a difficult time.

Verlene is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Meb) King of Riverside; Robert Russell of Sandy; John (Carolyn) Russell of Hooper; and Anne (Don) Anderson of Hooper; eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Gwen (Jerry) Allen and Janice (Ed) Ridges, her sister-in-law Norma Rigby and a stepbrother, Hugh (Barbara) Rigby.

Her brother, Theon Rigby, and her parents preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9th at 2 p.m. in the Hooper Utah Stake Center located at 5375 South 5900 West.

Family will greet friends Friday, July 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Saturday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the Hooper Utah Stake Center.

Interment, Hooper Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com