Elbert Russell, Age 81 died Thursday, January 6, 2011. Elbert was born August 6, 1929 in Hawthorne, CA. to parents, Jesse Elbert Seveire Russell and Glenna Violet (Mehrtens) Russell.  His family moved from Los Angeles, CA. to east Flagstaff Arizona in 1933 where his family had established an earlier homestead and raised pinto beans on their ranch.  He attended Flagstaff High School. During World War ll, the family, moved to Phoenix, AZ. where Elbert attended and graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1947. Elbert attended Phoenix College where he played football and sang in the choir, he graduated with an Associate Degree in Arts. Elbert served in the Korean War for the United States Military, Army infantry where he held the rank of Sergeant.  At the end of the war he returned to Phoenix, where he continued his life’s work in the family business, Acme Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Co. located at 3^rd Street and Osborn.  Returning from his military service he met and eventually married the love of his life, Jackie Russell.  They purchased their first home in north Central Phoenix and started their new life together in 1955. During his more than 65 years as a business man, Elbert was associated with many different service organizations. He was a part of the Phoenix Jaycee’s. He served 50 years as member of the Mid- Town Rotary Club of Phoenix, which in more recent years merged with North Phoenix Rotary.  He was one of the original organizers of the then called Arizona Launderer’s Association which later became the Arizona Laundry and Dry Cleaners Association, where he served multiple terms as President. He was a Lifetime member of the El Zaribah Shrine patrol and Scottish rite member of the Free Masons, Montezuma Lodge No. 35 for more than 50 years.  Elbert was an active member of First Families an Organization of Pioneer Arizona families. Elbert is survived by his Wife Jacqueline (Wyatt) Russell “Jackie” of 55 years, son John Russell, daughter Kathy (Darren) Scott, son, Jim Russell (Carolyn.)  He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Jesse Russell, Jacob Russell, Michele (Dane) Valdivia, Bryan Scott, Cole Russell, Ashley Russell and one great granddaughter, Kaylee Valdivia. Visitation for Elbert will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary 6500 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ  85254 Wednesday evening January 12, from 5-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Ceremony is scheduled there for Thursday 11:00 a.m.  A graveside service will follow afterward at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hospice of the Valley or the American Cancer Society.

Notification Published by Hansen Mortuaries, Inc. - Desert Hills

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