Elner F. Russell, 77 of Pana, passed away at 5:50a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Heritage Health in Pana.  She was born on December 13, 1941 in Beecher City, the daughter of Sereno Wade and Leona Violet (Renfrow) Tipsword.  She married Carl Leroy Russell on January 17, 1969 in Tower Hill.  Elner worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in several area healthcare facilities.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading, taking walks, window shopping, and playing the occasional video game.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.  She was a member of the Shelbyville congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 
Elner is survived by her husband: Carl Leroy Russell of Pana; children: John Russell, Serena Merritt (Joe) and Peter Russell, all of Pana; grandchildren: Joseph Merritt and Kaitlyn Merritt; great granddaughter: Alice Eckhart; siblings: Bessie Potter, Leona Mae McMillan, Lavesta Rickfelder, and Linda Canada; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Mrs. Russell will be cremated, and the family will host a memorial service at the Shelbyville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, outside of Tower Hill, at 10:30a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 with Tony Roettgers officiating.  Inurnment will he held at a later date.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the Russell family with arrangements.  Memories of Elner, or condolences to her family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.