Ruth M. Russell, age 92, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Ruth Margaret Russell was born August 2, 1933, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Andrew and Cora (Austin) Henderson. She grew up and was schooled in Colton, SD. She graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 1955 with a B. A. in Social Science and English. She taught English, speech, drama, and social studies in Ellsworth and Lakefield, MN before moving to Owatonna with Glenn Russell in 1967. She also taught at Claremont, at the Bethlehem Academy in Faribault and at the Owatonna Alternative School starting in 1987, before becoming the Alternative School Coordinator until 1998; a total of 30 years in education. She also worked at the Little Professor bookstore in Owatonna for 14 years.

She was an avid book reader, Twins and Lynx fan, iPad game player, and a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

She has two children, Sally (Ted) Levens in Golden Valley, MN and Christopher (Ner) Russell in West Des Moines, IA. She also loved her two grandchildren: Brittany (Joe) Peterson and Jessica (Josh) Mead as well as her dear nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her parents and her sisters: Marcia Anderson and Marlys Dybvig.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral home in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in care of Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.