Betty Jean (Zoll) Russell

Betty J. Russell, age 94, passed away on September 2, 2023.

She was born to Benjamin and Lela (Thomas) Zoll on January 22, 1929 in Lansing, Kansas. She grew up on a dairy farm owned by her parents in Lansing. Betty and two of her sisters travelled around the state as a singing trio. Betty played the guitar and sang. She continued to sing in her church choir for many years.

Betty attended St. Luke’s nursing school and graduated as a registered nurse. She was a member of the Beatrice Chapter of the Eastern Star of Shawnee, and was also involved in the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.

Betty married Ervin “Bill” Russell in August of 1950 and together they had a son, Ben. Bill and Betty started Russell Florist in 1956 in Shawnee, Kansas. The flower shop is still located in Shawnee, and has been ran by the Russell family for more than 67 years.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and two of her sisters Peggy Hill and Margaret Amos.

She is survived by her son, Ben Russell; grandchildren Shelbi Russell (Russ), Kelsie (Travis) Hamburg; 1 great-grandchild Aiden Hamburg; and sisters Loretta (Skip) Kimball and Frances Kraft. She will missed by many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at the Amos Family Funeral Home on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be on Tuesday at 10 am, also at the Amos Family Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Lansing, Kansas following the service.

In honor of Betty's passion for flowers, flower arrangements are preferred.

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