Rebecca D. Russell

Rebecca "Becky" Russell, 77, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025 at her home in Villa Grove. She was known among family and friends as a spirited warrior who fought a many years long battle with cancer. That courageous battle was reflective of Becky's fighting spirit, as she was a woman of incredible energy and strength throughout her life. Becky was raised in a large family, with three siblings and a sizeable number of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Becky's uncles referred to her as "Buzzbomb" because of her wonderful, spirited nature and her boundless energy. She was deeply loved by all.

Becky was the daughter of Robert "Bob" and Eileen Allen of Newman. She was born on Feb. 22, 1948. Becky attended the Newman Elementary and High Schools, and was friends with everyone in her Class of 1966 and remained in contact with several of those childhood friends throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Becky started working a full-time job at the University of Illinois, but within a couple of years she fell in love with a young man named John Robinson and the two young people got married in 1968. The newly marrieds settled in Villa Grove, where Becky spent the rest of her life. John and Becky made a beautiful home together and were blessed to have two fine young sons, Brian (Melissa) and Bradley (Jennifer) Robinson. Tragically, John died unexpectedly in 2005, and was sorely missed by his wife and sons. John had been a dedicated caretaker for his family. He was deeply loved by his wife and sons, and it was painful to lose him at such a young age.

A few years later, Becky crossed paths with a childhood friend, Don Russell, who had moved back to the area from Kentucky, and the two of them enjoyed one another's company so much that they were married in 2017. Becky and Don had several enjoyable years of life together. They were especially fond of traveling, and many of those miles came aboard a motorcycle. Much of that travel included joyful visits to family. Don was an extraordinary caretaker for Becky as her health failed and his loyalty and devotion are a model for others.

In addition to her sons and daughters-in-law, Becky leaves behind granddaughters Christina (Michael) Guedea, Addison Robinson, and step-granddaughter Josie Marsh, and great grandchildren John Guedea and Isabel Guedea and Becky's stepdaughter Bobbie Jo (Frank) Repsher and stepson Neal Russell. Her surviving siblings are Connie Underwood of Villa Grove, and Jim and Steve Allen of Newman. Becky leaves behind a large number of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Becky was a long standing, faithful member of the Villa Grove Christian Church. Becky served with the Philathea organization, the Quilters, and other service activities and the food bank in Murdock. She was also a member of the Wesley Chapel Women's Club of Newman. Becky was a committed Christian, she was a solid and loyal patriot and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a loving heart and was especially fond of babies. She loved caring for them since she was a very young girl, and she had a natural gift for that task.

Becky's family and her circle of friends are thankful to have shared life with her, and are also ever so thankful that she is in the eternal care of her Lord Jesus.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove.  Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Wesley Chapel rural Newman; Steven Allen and Pastor Mike Zylstra will be officiating.  Burial will follow at the Albin Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Villa Grove.

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