Obituary of Essie Russell

Essie Maiden was born on March 23, 1939 in Frakes, Kentucky. She was one of six children born from the union of the late Wylie and the late Martha (Taylor) Maiden.

Essie married the love of her life, Roscoe Russell and from this union came the birth of two beautiful daughters. She worked hard to help support her blended family. For a number of years she was employed as an Aide for Monroe Public Schools at the Lincoln Elementary School. In 1985, Essie took a position with Medilodge of Monroe as a dietary aide, where she worked hard for thirty more years.

Gran as many people knew her was a simple, straight forward kind of woman, proud of her southern roots. Essie was quite funny with a heart of gold. She adored her family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. Gran cherished going out for breakfast with her daughters and granddaughters frequently. In her free time, Essie enjoyed bargain finding at area garage sales, trips to the casino and watching a couple of her favorite television shows.

Essie Russell, age 79 of Monroe passed away on a beautiful sunny afternoon surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her loving husband: Roscoe Russell; brothers: Stirl Maiden and Hilary Maiden; and a sister: Effie King.

To cherish her memory, Essie leaves four children: Penny Chadwell of Monroe, Jill Hudkins of Monroe, Kathy (Paul) Stone of Monroe, and David (Diana) Russell of Florida; sisters: Dessie (Jim) Cloum of Monroe and Ruby (Mac) Jones of Kentucky; sister-in-law: Birdie Maiden of Kentucky; grandchildren: Macee (Denver) McLaughlin, Taylor (Tim) Crawford, Lindsay Chadwell, Jacob (Jessica) Stone, and Juli Stone; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, (734)384-5185 In honor of Essie’s colorful personality, the family requests you to wear spring colors. A Celebration of her Life will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Woodland cemetery in Monroe for burial.

Essie’s family Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.