Karen S. Russell, 60, of Cedar Vale, Kansas, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 25, 2016 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Born January 10, 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, she was the daughter of Richard and R. "Jane" (Long) Wilson. She was raised in Eskridge and graduated from Mission Valley High School in 1974.

Karen was united in marriage to Jerry Russell on August 24, 1974 in Eskridge. The couple lived in Colby, Fredonia, Durham, Cassoday, Beaumont and Moline before moving to Cedar Vale three years ago. Karen helped her husband with ranching duties as well as owned and operated her own primitive folk art business. Her business was known around the world. Karen made her career as a homemaker. She loved taking care of her family.

She was a member of the Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking and putting on festivities and her art. She also enjoyed football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals Baseball, horses and dogs. She loved to stay busy, be outdoors, and was a mom to many.

Her family includes:
Her husband: Jerry Russell of Cedar Vale;
Her daughters: Randi Jo Ferguson and husband, Ben of Cedar Vale; Jami Stiles and husband, Drew of Moorhead, MN;
Her mother: Jane Wilson of Salina;
Her sisters: Sandy King of Salina; Teresa Rush of Las Vegas, NV;
Her four grandchildren: Riley, Daniel, Jacob and Taylor; and
A multitude of surrogate family.

Karen was preceded in death by her father.

The family will hold a celebration of life on September 3, 2016 from 11 to 2 in Cedar Vale.

A memorial has been established in Karen's name for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.