Denise I. Russell

Denise I. Russell, 60, passed away peacefully at her home in Van Wert on Sunday, January 14, 2018, following a short battle with heart disease.

She was born July 23, 1957, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the late Gerald Raymond and Donelda (Lawrence) Barnes.

She was the beloved mother of Brian K. (Randi) Barnes, and Stephanie (Dan) Etzler, both of Van Wert, and devoted grandmother of three grandsons, Gavin Barnes, and Eric and Ethan Etzler; and one granddaughter, Rhiana Barnes.

She also leaves behind two brothers, Ray and Jeff (Anna) Barnes both of Fort Worth, Texas, and two sisters, Ellen (Dick) Boroff of Van Wert, and RaeJean (Doyle) Driskill of Fort Worth; and many nieces and nephews.

She was a longtime member of First United Brethren in Christ Church of Van Wert. She enjoyed playing bingo, reading Danielle Steele novels and was an avid fan of Elvis Presley.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 19, at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, 728 E. Fourth St. in Spencerville, with Pastor Jody Harr officiating.  Burial will follow in Wright Cemetery in Converse.   

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 18, at the funeral home.   Preferred memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on her behalf.