Mary Sue Alexander Russell, 86

Mary Sue Alexander Russell, 86, of Sedalia, died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

She was born northeast of Sedalia in the Longwood community on March 31, 1929, a daughter of the late Lester A. and Carrie Jenkins Alexander. On December 9, 1948 in Carrollton, MO she was married to James F. Russell, who preceded her in death on November 24, 1985. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Sedalia.

Mrs. Russell was educated in Pettis County at Anderson, Cartwright, and Hughesville grade schools, and attended high school at Hughesville, and went on to graduate from Marshall High School. She attended college at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards, traveling, and visiting family and friends.

She retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1982, after 35 years of service. She was a member of the Communications Workers of America #6314 Union while working, and helped to organize the retired chapter of CWA #6314 Union. She was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers.

Surviving are a daughter, Linda D. Sanders of Sedalia; a brother, Lester W. Alexander of Marshall; two grandchildren, Nicole Lynn Parton and Randall James Russell; and three great-granddaughters, Madison and Kaileah Parton and Lilian Carey. She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary L. Russell on February 15, 2005, and a son-in-law, Royce J. Sanders on June 11, 2006.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Millers Chapel Cemetery in rural Pettis County with the Rev. Robert Sisney officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations are suggested to CASA, Child Safe of Central Missouri or Millers Chapel Cemetery, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.