Shirley M. Russell

Shirley Maxine Russell 1928 - 2026

Shirley Maxine Russell, 97, of Casper, Wyoming passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of January 7, 2026 surrounded by her devoted family.

Shirley was born on March 14, 1928 in Hawk Springs, WY to Glen and Helen (Smith) Marlatt. She was the third born of seven children. In 1934 the family moved to nearby Yoder, WY where Shirley spent her childhood enjoying adventures on the farm with her parents and siblings. She would often reflect on these humble yet abundantly happy times as some of the greatest of her life.

Shirley was a bright student with an early knack for teaching. She graduated from Yoder High School in 1946 as valedictorian and quickly found herself back in the classroom as an elementary school teacher in the small rural settings of Winton and Lance Creek, WY. Despite – or perhaps because of - the rustic accommodations of these fledgling mineral towns, Shirley’s passion for teaching was solidified and she went on to pursue an education degree from the University of Wyoming. Shirley enjoyed her time at UW where she was engaged in the ongoings of campus life and was an active member of the Tri Delta sorority. She graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

On December 26, 1954 Shirley married Gerald “Jerry” Russell of Torrington, WY and the couple went on to celebrate over 65 years of marriage before Jerry’s passing in 2020. The early years of their union were busy and took them from Torrington to other parts of the state, country and world including Sterling, CO, Worland, WY, Anaco, Venezuela and Wichita Falls, TX. During this time Shirley cared for their young daughters, Jennifer and Meredith, and in the summertime the family would be joined by Jacki, Jerry’s daughter from a previous marriage. In 1962 they moved back to Wyoming, settling in Casper where they would remain and raise their family.

In Casper, Shirley resumed her teaching career at Pineview Elementary School where she taught third grade with passion and pride until her retirement in 1980. She was a dedicated educator and a favorite of many. Her students truly mattered to her and made lasting impressions, so much so that she could recall the name and personality of each student, effortlessly and with great fondness, throughout her life.

In retirement, Shirley spent the next 40 plus years actively engaged and participating in her community and family’s lives. Shirley was an enthusiastic and active member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), served on the Wyoming Commission for Women for 6 years and had ongoing participation with the Wyoming Democratic Party. Shirley was remarkably humble for all her greatness. She was a talented artist, seamstress, musician and carpenter. She was an avid reader and knowledgeable historian. Shirley genuinely loved the outdoors, particularly the prairies, meadows and mountains of Wyoming. She was kind to every person she ever knew or met and no one had an unkind thing to say about her. She impacted people’s lives in a deep way, but no ways deeper than that of her family. Shirley was truly the light of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Shirley also had a profound love for animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes, many of whom found refuge in and around her home throughout her life. She was ahead of her time regarding concerns for equality and acceptance of others. When recently asked about important beliefs and values that guided her life, she responded by stating, “Human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, animal rights, and my mother’s common-sense approach to life.” Her compassion, open-mindedness and patience created a safe space ever in her presence. Her selflessness and generosity was unending. Even as the years began to slow her body, her mind never faltered. She kept her wit, sense of humor and positive outlook on life until her last breath. Shirley will forever be remembered as an exceptional woman, with equal parts strength and softness.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Russell; parents Glen and Helen Marlatt; siblings Bobby Burton Marlatt, Margaret Fleenor, Lois Sittner and George Marlatt; son-in-law Lewis Stock and step-grandson Will Stock. She is survived by her siblings Marian Sittner and Gordon Marlatt; daughters Jennifer (David) Bailey, Meredith Stock-Russell and Jacki (Glen) Gray; granddaughters Dawn (Joe) Armatys, Hilary (Billy) Cage, Whitney (Peter) Lang, Patricia (Dave) Goddard, Natalie Gray and Heidi Gray; five step-grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, many dear friends and two beloved kitties, Ladybug and Drifter.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday February 1st at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper (710 East 2nd Street). The service will be followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ reception hosted by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seton House, the Casper Humane Society or a charity of your choosing.

To share a memory of Shirley or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.