LaVerne Russell

Age 86, formerly of Lebanon, KY, Riley, KY, Georgetown, Ky and Morris, died on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born August 21, 1935 in Lebanon, KY, a daughter to William Guy & Minnie (Starling) Tatum. On December 23, 1953 she married James Russell in Jeffersonville, Indiana and together they cherished 67 years until his passing on July 31, 2021. She worked at White Willow Café and for 19 years she worked in manufacturing for Jemco Engineering Company. LaVerne loved to draw Barbie like faces and models and enjoyed reading Readers Digest, Birds and Blooms, Reminisce and daily devotionals. LaVerne was a devout wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who adored her family and spending time with her family and friends. LaVerne was known as a exceptional cook and her many delicious dishes will be deeply missed.

Survivors include four children: Ron (Debra Duras) Russell of Coal City, Keith ( the late Tami) Russell of Morris, Steve (Christie) Russell of Morris, and Terry L. (the late Therese) Russell of Seneca; 12 grandchildren: Gwen Favero, Jacob Russell, Kristy Kromm, Skylar Miller, Nichole (Chuck) Lacey, James Johnson, Stephen Russell, James Russell, Ryan (Tiffany) Russell, Michaela Harlan, Kylie Russell, and Zach Russell, as well as numerous great grandchildren; two brothers: William (Pat) Tatum of Louisville, KY, Danny (Theresa) Tatum of Lexington, KY; one sister Janice White of Louisville, KY; and two sister-in-laws: Helen Russell of Springfield, KY and Sue (the late Gary) Ford of Summershade, KY; and special friends Sandy and Steve Melovich and Stori Worth.

Laverne was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Russell, four brothers: Clive, Lee, Jimmy and Graves Tatum, one sister Lea Dotson, half sisters Barbara Jean Morgeson, two daughter-in-laws: Tami Russell and Therese Russell, and sister-in-law Anna Kratchovil.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47), in Morris. Funeral services will take place at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Roy Backus officiating. Burial will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where Laverne will be laid to rest beside her husband James.

Preferred memorials in Laverne's memory be made to Lightways Hospice or Morris VFW.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, and share Laverne's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815) 942-2500.