Gay Russell

Martha “Gay” Craven Russell, age 82, of Liberty, MO, formerly of Excelsior Springs, MO, went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.  She was born on December 24, 1940, to Mose and Fern (Martin) Craven in Excelsior Springs. After graduating from Excelsior Springs High School in 1958, Gay attended Cottey College then returned to her hometown and married Alney (A.K.) Russell on August 21, 1959.  After residing in Kansas City for a short time, A.K. and Gay returned home to Excelsior Springs to raise their three children, Stephanie Gay, Stephen K., and Starr Renee. 

Gay was a dedicated wife and mother who doted on her children. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Excelsior Springs and made sure her children attended church and knew Christ.  She was a hard worker in every endeavor and served her family fiercely. This was demonstrated by working in her dad’s grocery store followed by her primary career as her brother Bob’s orthodontic assistant and practice manager. She was a devoted daughter with her parents always living very close.  She valued family, keeping strong connections with her brothers, extended family, and close friends.

Gay was full of energy and stamina, essentially working two full-time jobs—the first being outside of the home as her brother’s orthodontic assistant and the second job beginning when she came home in full gear to be a mom, wife, and homemaker.  She did it all….and did it well!  She rarely sat down always scurrying to make complete meals, tend to every shopping need, sew a costume, do laundry, iron, taxi kids, pay bills, help with homework, hang wallpaper, solve a problem, manicure the yard, clean the impeccably clean house, organize an already-organized drawer, and be the best mom possible. Gay and A.K. enjoyed socializing and made many memories with family and friends including several travels abroad and summers at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Gay was preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Fern Craven, daughter, Stephanie Russell Montgomery, and brothers, Marty Craven and Bob Craven.  She is survived by her husband of over 63 years, A.K. Russell of the home, son Stephen Russell (Andrea) of Kansas City, MO, and daughter Starr Rich (Jeff) of Liberty, MO.  She is Mama Gay to 7 grandchildren:  Brock Hall (Wendy, sons Palmer and Cooper); Alec (Calah), Avery, and Aliza Russell; Ellie Rich Helin (Matthew, daughters Nora and Mila); Macy and Lexi Rich.  Mama Gay is also survived by 5 step-grandchildren: Caleb (Adria, children Seth and Josephine) and Luke Rich; Alejandro, Maya, and Luci Diaz.  She will also be missed by several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 15, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:15 a.m. at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N. State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oxford Grand Memory Care-Activities Fund.  Contributions can be made at the chapel or mailed to Kathy Marshall c/o Oxford Grand Memory Care, 8280 N. Tullis Ave., Kansas City, MO 64158 (note Gay Russell Memorial).