Martha (Irons) Russell Obituary (1922

Martha Irons Russell, 91, of Beaver Falls, died Monday, November 24, 2014 at Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont after a brief illness. Born November 26, 1922 in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Fred D. and Florence Caldwell Irons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Dr. William H. Russell on May 6, 2009. When she was two years old, Martha moved into a home built by her mother in the College Hill section of Beaver Falls. She remained in that same home for nearly 90 years, until her recent illness. Martha graduated from Geneva College in 1944 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 1994 she received the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Alumni Association of Geneva College. Martha taught school for eleven years in Beaver Falls and New Brighton. In 1955 she married William H. Russell, then Professor of History at Geneva College. She and her husband contributed to the ministry and missions both at Geneva College and of their local congregation, the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church. She had also been involved in community development and volunteer activities for the Children's Aid Society, Meals on Wheels, past president of the College Hill Women's Club, past president of Exemplars, Geneva Women and the Highlanders Missionary Society. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Louise Russell Pearth and her husband George, Pittsburgh, and a son, Dale W. Russell, Palatine, Illinois. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Victoria Morris of Beaver Falls for the last four years of her devoted and faithful care of Martha. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com., 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dean Smith officiating. Private interment will follow in Beaver Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to College Hill Reformed Church, 3217 College Ave., Beaver Falls or to Geneva College, 3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.