By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
14 Comments

Russell Quentin Roosevelt, 77, of Albion, passed away at 7:25 A.M., Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his residence.

Russell had been a farmer. He was co-owner and operator of Stumpy Hill Farm with his father Quentin and then with brother Bryan. He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Albion. Russell had been a board member and treasurer for Edwards County Farm Bureau, chairman for Edwards County Young Farmers, Treasurer for Tri County Pork Producers, and chairman for Edwards County Soil and Water Conservation. Russell’s awards and accomplishments include District Young Farmers Award in 1977, Superior Pork Producer Award in 1978 from the Illinois Pork Producers Association and Merit Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Resource Conservation from Edwards County Soil and Water. Russell obtained his private pilot license in 1979. He also earned his Journeyman Smith from The American Bladesmith Society. He studied knifemaking for years before he ever made his first knife and made many wonderful friends in his knife making journey. Russell was a man of integrity and had the gentlest spirit. He loved God, his family, friends, and life.

He was born June 26, 1947 in Olney, IL, the son of Quentin and Ruby (Chalcraft) Roosevelt.
He married Suzanne Elliott on September 3, 1967 at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Albion and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Albion, two children – Erica Lynn Roosevelt and Keith Wayne Roosevelt, both of Albion, six grandchildren – Taylor Kollak and husband Storm, Brendan Mitchell and girlfriend Matti Ament, Avery Roosevelt and fiancé Levi Stockton, Ava Anderson, Addison Anderson and Drew Roosevelt, two great grandchildren – Knox Russell Mitchell and Tatum Ann Mitchell, four siblings – Linda (Roosevelt) Searby and husband David of Du Quoin, Carol (Roosevelt) Sample and husband Ronnie of Ellery, Bryan Roosevelt and wife Stacey of Albion, and Kim (Roosevelt) Gibson of Newburgh, IN, several nieces and nephews and special cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion with Rev. Bill Bunnage officiating.

Friends may call from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M., Sunday at the Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion.

Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Albion, IL.

Friends may make memorials to the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

  • Visitation

    Sunday, September 8, 2024
    1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home - Albion, Illinois

  • Service

    Monday, September 9, 2024
    10:00 a.m.
    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home - Albion, Illinois
    Burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery - south of Albion, Illinois

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    14 Condolences
     
    1. Curtis Ingram / September 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm

      We are sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. May you find comfort in knowing Russell left a beautiful impression on everyone he met. You have our sympathy!
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

    2. Susie Williams Pollock / September 6, 2024 at 10:47 pm

      Suzanne, I was so saddened to hear about Russell. He was such a good man and my heart is breaking for you. Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time. In Christian Love/Susie Williams Pollock

    3. Brian Thie / September 7, 2024 at 11:35 am

      Russell was a wonderful person and talked about events in his life in such a way that captivated his audience. I will never forget an evening after Blade Show. Russell had us all laughing to the point of tears as he described a late night event that involved getting a cat out of a tree.

    4. Phyllis Jean Gill / September 7, 2024 at 2:25 pm

      Hugs to you Suzanne and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you through this difficult time. Unable to come but I shall think of you and pray for you in the coming days. Love you

      Carrie-Ann and Phyllis Gill

    5. Danielle Lankford Kimbrell / September 7, 2024 at 3:13 pm

      I’m saddened to learn of Russell’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I always enjoyed hearing stories from Suzanne about their youth and courtship while at Drew’s ballgames. What a great couple! Things have changed now and won’t ever be the same, but we can rest assured that we will all see him again one day in Glory. For now, keep his memory in your heart. With deepest sympathy.

    6. Karen L Smith / September 7, 2024 at 5:01 pm

      So very sorry to hear this ! Russell was always so kind and had a smile. Prayers and condolences for all the family !!

    7. Mark Wood / September 7, 2024 at 9:54 pm

      Dear Suzanne, I was shocked to hear of Russell’s passing. You and Russell have made such indelibly positive impact on our entire family. You both were always there for Mom and Dad, and opened your home to my family, as well. Russell was a fine man in every respect. Patty and I so much enjoyed the tour of the farm and his workshop he gave us the last time we were there. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I just found out a few hours ago or I would have been there tomorrow. Please know that the Wood Family is in mourning for the loss of our friend, and for the loss your family is suffering. May God bless and keep you. Mark

    8. Joe and Suzanne Keeslar / September 8, 2024 at 9:21 am

      Russell was greatly respected in the American Bladesmith Society family. We join his many ABS friends in sending our sincerest condolences to Suzanne and the family. Russell was a joy to know and will be sorely missed in our gatherings.

    9. Janet Tolbert / September 8, 2024 at 11:29 am

      Suzanne, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My prayers are with you and your family during the difficult times. Janet Butler Tolbert

    10. Bobbi Shultz / September 8, 2024 at 4:09 pm

      Suzanne, I’. so sorry to hear this. My ❤️ goes out to you. I’m praying for comfort for you and your family. He was such a gentle soul.
      Love you.

    11. Bill Holmes / September 8, 2024 at 6:52 pm

      Russell was such a good man. I will miss seeing him at the sporting events that he seemed to enjoy so much. He always had a smile and a kind word. He was the kind of man that would brightened one’s day even with just a breif encounter. I know he did mine. I will pray for peace and comfort for the family. Condolences for your loss.

    12. Ron & Joyce Gawthorp / September 9, 2024 at 5:46 pm

      We were so sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. We send our love to you Suzanne and your entire family. Russell was a joyful and accomplished man and we know the world is diminished by his leaving. May God bless you all.

    13. Ken & Carolyn Hortin / September 9, 2024 at 8:30 pm

      Very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. He was a fine person and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed in the Mt. Zion community. May his family support each other in the difficult days ahead.
      Ken & Carolyn Hortin

    14. Kenneth Hortin / September 9, 2024 at 8:41 pm

      Very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. He was a very fine soul and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed in the Mt Zion Community. May his family support each other in the difficult days ahead.
      Ken and Carolyn Hortin

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