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Roxane Rene Russell
November 15, 1956 ~ September 4, 2016 (age 59) 59 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Eddie Miller
May 5, 2017 10:48 PM
This is the story of my friend Roxanne Russell and her life in Smith Valley Nevada, 1979, as seen through the eyes of a 1979 Junior High aged girl, who loved Roxanne as a big sister, a confidant, and a best friend.
Roxanne and I both loved animals. My mom, Mary Ann, dropped us off at the Old Town Mall in Reno. Stephen had given Roxanne some shopping cash—not sure he meant it to be spent at the pet shop. Roxanne fell in love with a husky-mix puppy in the window, and after much debate (but no doubt in her mind), we brought C.C. the puppy home to Smith Valley.
The two of us in a pet store was a dangerous combination. More visits to Reno resulted in more additions to the Russell menagerie: a pair of pet rats, a gray cat—I think his name was Smoke. When I was given a surplus of Easter ducklings from cousin Sophie Acciari, who owned the local feed store, I then gave Roxanne several of the ducklings. We worked together to dig a hole and fill it with water so we could watch them swim. Later, Roxy and I found crawdads and carp in the Walker River, and added them to the pond.
She was full of fun and adventure. She was brave enough to jump on the back of my mini bike, and we would tear around the sagebrush and dirt roads.
When Stephen and Roxanne were first preparing their home in Smith Valley, she and I picked out paint for the interior walls. The house was small, just two bedrooms, and over the years it had been utilized as a rental, and also to house employees. Roxanne chose a different color for each room: rose pink, robin’s egg blue, lime green, and lavender. We listened to The Best of Cream on the turntable as we painted. It was the most hippy-dippy, bohemian looking cottage, and we both thought the transformation was very cool. 15 years later, I had my turn living in that house. The crazy-colored plaster walls had long since been painted in several coats of white paint. I imagined the rainbow of colors underneath. On Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, the little house burned to the ground. That same day, I heard of Roxanne’s passing.
Roxanne came into my life when I needed a big sister. She was in her early twenties and I was in Jr. High, and I had a lot of questions that I just couldn’t ask my mom. Most of my friends were just as clueless about the mysteries of life. I often turned to Roxanne Russell, who gave me her unabashed take on life and love. She used to laugh at my questions, and always covered her mouth with her hand when she giggled. I think sometimes she couldn’t believe that I put so much faith in her answers. I never got to tell her how much I loved her, or what an influence she had on me. She and Stephen moved back to Colorado, and I felt adrift, as if I lost my best friend.
I had always thought we would cross paths again. I so much looked forward to that day, and so the news of Roxanne’s passing makes me very sad indeed. But I am so happy I knew her.
-Eddie Miller, Stephen’s cousin in Nevada.
Roxanne and I both loved animals. My mom, Mary Ann, dropped us off at the Old Town Mall in Reno. Stephen had given Roxanne some shopping cash—not sure he meant it to be spent at the pet shop. Roxanne fell in love with a husky-mix puppy in the window, and after much debate (but no doubt in her mind), we brought C.C. the puppy home to Smith Valley.
The two of us in a pet store was a dangerous combination. More visits to Reno resulted in more additions to the Russell menagerie: a pair of pet rats, a gray cat—I think his name was Smoke. When I was given a surplus of Easter ducklings from cousin Sophie Acciari, who owned the local feed store, I then gave Roxanne several of the ducklings. We worked together to dig a hole and fill it with water so we could watch them swim. Later, Roxy and I found crawdads and carp in the Walker River, and added them to the pond.
She was full of fun and adventure. She was brave enough to jump on the back of my mini bike, and we would tear around the sagebrush and dirt roads.
When Stephen and Roxanne were first preparing their home in Smith Valley, she and I picked out paint for the interior walls. The house was small, just two bedrooms, and over the years it had been utilized as a rental, and also to house employees. Roxanne chose a different color for each room: rose pink, robin’s egg blue, lime green, and lavender. We listened to The Best of Cream on the turntable as we painted. It was the most hippy-dippy, bohemian looking cottage, and we both thought the transformation was very cool. 15 years later, I had my turn living in that house. The crazy-colored plaster walls had long since been painted in several coats of white paint. I imagined the rainbow of colors underneath. On Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, the little house burned to the ground. That same day, I heard of Roxanne’s passing.
Roxanne came into my life when I needed a big sister. She was in her early twenties and I was in Jr. High, and I had a lot of questions that I just couldn’t ask my mom. Most of my friends were just as clueless about the mysteries of life. I often turned to Roxanne Russell, who gave me her unabashed take on life and love. She used to laugh at my questions, and always covered her mouth with her hand when she giggled. I think sometimes she couldn’t believe that I put so much faith in her answers. I never got to tell her how much I loved her, or what an influence she had on me. She and Stephen moved back to Colorado, and I felt adrift, as if I lost my best friend.
I had always thought we would cross paths again. I so much looked forward to that day, and so the news of Roxanne’s passing makes me very sad indeed. But I am so happy I knew her.
-Eddie Miller, Stephen’s cousin in Nevada.
Message from Chrisitne Prior
November 18, 2016 2:31 AM
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. 59 is indeed much too young and a terrible loss to you all. My sincere sympathies go out to all her family.
A candle was lit by The KLYSE Family with love.
on November 7, 2016 8:04 PM
Message from Irene and Jeff Myers
November 7, 2016 4:44 PM
I haven't seen Roxanne for about 20 years, but we had the best times out there in Denver when we were young moms together. She was such a free spirit! I'll never forget our skiing excursion. When we went to disembark from the lift, she would grab my arm for support and of course, we both would fall! My deepest sympathy to Steve and the rest of the family. Rest in peace old friend
Message from Luann Cook
October 5, 2016 5:21 PM
My condolences to all members of Roxanne's family. I spent many days with Roxanne on the farm with all the horses and dogs. We had a lot of fun and laughs with the animals and chasing fire trucks! I know she is in good company up in heaven with all our furry friends.
A good friend never passes away, they live on in our hearts forever. Sincerely, LuAnn
A good friend never passes away, they live on in our hearts forever. Sincerely, LuAnn
Message from Carol Lee Gard
October 5, 2016 12:44 PM
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Roxane was too young, but God has his reasons.
I know she is missed.
I know she is missed.
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