Joan Russell

The loving soul of Joan L. Russell, 81, of Baxter, formerly of Marshalltown, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Per the wishes of Joan and her family, cremation rites have been accorded and graveside services will take place on Tuesday, February 1 at 12:00 P.M. at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Pastor Alex Post officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Joan and her family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Born Joan Zink on August 21, 1940 in Marshalltown, she was the oldest of three children of Eldon Sr. and Gladys (Wolken) Zink. Shortly after her graduation from Van Cleave High School in 1959, she was united in marriage to Lyle Russell Sr. Together they made their home in Marshalltown, where they raised their five children. Joan worked hard for her family, both at home as a dedicated wife and mother and outside of the home. Over the years she worked at Marshalltown Manufacturing, Williams School as a cook, Newton Daily News and Fisher Controls, where she retired in 1996. She also took a job in retirement at Hyvee until 2020. Joan was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, and as a member of the Orchid Club, she had a knack for tending orchids. Joan loved sewing and quilting, horses, her pets and her grandkids. She was always on the go and loved to travel. She especially enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair and mushroom hunting and fishing with her husband, Lyle before his passing in 2004. Kind, quiet and selfless, she always checked in with her family and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. Left to cherish her memory are her five children: Beckie Eldred, Lyle Russell Jr., David (Sherrie) Russell, Lynn (Tom) Mayer and Jeannie (Chuck) Hewitt; seven grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; her brother, Eldon Zink Jr.; aunt by title but sibling by choice: Lois (Dennis) Hauersperger; several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Jasper. In eternal life she is reunited with her beloved husband, Lyle; her parents, Eldon Sr. and Gladys; her sister, Diane Zink and her son-in-law, Kendall Eldred.