Obituary of Archie Leigh Russell

Archie Leigh Russell Life-time Fort Atkinson resident Archie Leigh Russell (91) died, March 24, 2013 at her home. She was the wife of the late Doctor James C.H. Russell. Archie Leigh was born on February 20, 1922 to Clayton and Aura Alley of Fort Atkinson, the middle child to her older brother Charles (C John) and younger sister Janet. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1940 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In September 1942 she married James C.H. Russell of Racine, Wisconsin, who started his medical practice in Fort Atkinson in 1947. Together they raised six children. Archie Leigh was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Tuesday Club, the Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of the Library, Hoard Historical Society and her church Share group. Her days and heart were filled with a great love for family. She counted each of her six children, their spouses and her grand/great grandchildren as life�s greatest treasures. Archie Leigh had a passion for tennis, crossword puzzles, ginger snap cookies, playing bridge and other card games at home with family. She epitomized service above self as the family short-order cook, chauffer, den and scout leader, emergency medical technician, teacher and mentor. Archie Leigh was vibrant and inspiring to her family and friends right up to the very end of her life. She lived out her bucket list which included: marrying a doctor, having horses, sailing (in Greece), acting in community theatre productions, riding a Harley Davidson at age 85 and, at her 90th birthday celebration, flying in a bi-plane. She taught those who knew her how to live and how to die with dignity and grace. Archie Leigh is survived by a daughter Aura Leigh (Jim) Ferguson of Denver, Colorado; four sons Clayton (Eileen) of Denver, Colorado, David of Fort Atkinson, James of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Luther (Deb) of Coeur d�Alene, Idaho, 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Mary Jane, her parents, her brother C. John Alley, her sister Janet Alley Roberts, her husband James C. H. Russell, and her son Cliff (Rusty). A celebration of her life will be held April 19, 2013, 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Russell Frees Jr. officiating. Visitation will be held at the church before the service at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service. Nitardy Funeral Home of Fort Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Doc Russell Scholarship Fund (Fort Community Foundation), Rainbow Hospice or the charity of the giver's choice.