Beverly Mae Russell

Beverly Mae Russell, 85, was born September 8, 1928 to Walter and Louise (Kaiser) Frank in Olympia, Washington. Beverly grew up on the family farm, the Kaiser Guernsey Dairy. One of the benefits was that she had her own horse and enjoyed riding with friends and family. She attended Garfield Elementary, graduated from Olympia High School in 1946, and attended the University of Washington. She married Walter Austin on August 20, 1949. They first built a home in Delphi Valley, then Cooper Point area in 1964. She worked various jobs, including Pacific Northwest Bell and the State of Washington. She then worked for over 30 years as an administrative assistant for Thurston County Fire District 9, retiring in 1993. When the Fire District turned to full time when The Evergreen State College was built, Beverly invited the student firemen on duty to holiday dinners. This was especially fun for the grandsons to have a fire truck at grandma’s and have dinner with the firemen! On September 26, 1987, Beverly remarried to George H. Russell. They built a new house on Coopers Point, and Beverly’s love of gardening is on display at the home. Beverly and George enjoyed traveling to friends and relatives, cruised to Alaska with Olympia High School Alumni, and enjoyed entertaining at their home. In more recent years, she joined the Red Hat Society and had many adventuresome times and made lasting friends. Beverly valiantly fought cancer for over 20 years with resilience and a positive outlook. Beverly was predeceased by her sister, Betty (Thomas) Casebolt of Concord, California. She is survived by her husband, George Russell; sons, Kimbal (Diana) Austin of Olympia, Bradley Austin of Seattle; grandsons, Kevin Austin of Olympia, Brian (Beatrix) Austin of Orting; and great grandsons, Grant, Ryder, and Colton. Memorial donations may be made to cancer research. Please leave memories of Beverly or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.