Colleen Russell

Ruby Colleen Horn Russell, 72, died July 14, 2008, at her home.

She was born April 24, 1936, in Lilbourn, Mo., to Emerson B. and Edna R. Horn.

Her family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1940, where Colleen graduated from Central High School in 1954. Upon graduation, she studied radiology at the old Saint Francis Hospital.

She moved to Memphis, Tenn., in 1956, where she was employed in the medical field. It was there that she met her husband of 34 years, Dr. William M. "Bill" Russell.

Colleen then changed careers to "Mom" where she raised and nurtured Kevin and Chris through church, school, birthdays and carpools, and faithfully attended more than 3,000 sporting events as the boys played almost every sport imaginable.

While her famous "whistle" was heard throughout the neighborhood and at games, it was a constant reminder to her two sons that they would always know they were welcome at home.

She later returned to the medical field as a radiology technician for Dr. Julian G. Fleming for nearly three decades. As both part of her Christian faith and duty to her family, Colleen was above all a servant to others. Selfless to the end, she set an example for her family and friends that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

After retiring (again) she split time between her home in Memphis and a home in Scott City, where she was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include two sons, Kevin (Linda Kay) Russell of Ridgeland, Miss., Christopher Russell of Memphis; two sisters, Norma K. (Charlie) Henshaw of Cape Girardeau, Helen J. (Jim) Gilbert of Memphis; and two loving grandchildren, Emily Gilbert and William Alex Russell of Ridgeland.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.