Alice Mae Russell – O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Alice Mae Russell, 86, of Quincy, passed at 5:50 am Thursday, June 27, 2024, at her residence in Quincy, IL.

Alice was born March 14, 1938, in Quincy, IL to Albert C. and Opal Belle (Stone) Butler. She was married to William Russell on June 15, 1957, in Quincy, IL.

Other survivors include her three children, Nancy Beenes (David), Linda Russell (Jim), and William G Russell (Barbara), all of Quincy; eight grandchildren, Susan Seals, Billy Russell (Bethany), Mark Russell, Matthew Russell, Scott Beenes, Kimberly Beenes (Greg Quince), Nathan Russell, and Allison Russell; seven great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madison, Riley, Olivia, Lily Beth, Oliver, and Gregory; one great-great-grandchild, Ellianna; four brothers, Ronald Butler (Martha), John Butler (Diane), Michael Butler (Linda), and David Butler; and one sister, Marcia Gottman.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mary Dale English; and two brothers, Albert C. Butler Jr. and Richard L. Butler.

Her professional life was marked by a passion for education and community service. For 30 years, Alice dedicated herself to the Head Start Program for Quincy Public Schools, where she touched the lives of countless children, including her own son, who was part of the program’s inaugural class. Her commitment to early childhood education left a legacy of learning and opportunity that continues to resonate within the community. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Adams County Boot Kickers.

Beyond her professional achievements, Alice was a woman of many interests. She was a creative soul, crafting everything from whimsical yard ornaments to delicate Christmas decorations and durable stepping stones. A voracious reader and a fan of the classic TV western ‘Gunsmoke’, Alice also cherished the tunes of George Jones and Conway Twitty. A loyal baseball spectator, she playfully rooted for every team that played against the Cardinals. Alice’s sense of adventure took her and her family to breathtaking Yellowstone for 15 treasured trips and to the musical heart of Nashville, TN. Her culinary prowess was legendary, especially her fried chicken, and she reveled in hosting Thanksgiving dinners that became the heart of family traditions.

Alice leaves behind a legacy of kindness, education, creativity, and her presence deeply missed.

Friends and Family are invited to Alice’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will directly follow at 12:00 pm with Rev. Steve Disseler officiating. Burial will follow at Quincy Memorial Park in Quincy, IL.

Pallbearers will be Billy Russell, Mark Russell, Matthew Russell, Nathan Russell, Scott Beenes, and Gregory Quince.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessing Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.