Edward Russell Pell

Courtesy of LifeStoryNet.com
[author unknown]
http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/58301

Russell Pell was a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandfather and loyal friend. For many years, he lived a life that was both adventurous and rooted, outgoing and contented, fun loving and considerate. Russell loved to experience and appreciate the world around him, and did many things in his life, all of which shaped him into the person his family and friends loved dearly.

The turn of the century decade, from 1900 to 1909, was one of transition and progress. The industrial age was in full swing and mass production made prices fall to all time lows. Henry Ford provided the first affordable car and the Sunday drive became a national pastime. In the community of Plainwell, Michigan, life for William and Myrtle Pell was also in transition. On March 14, 1909, they welcomed the birth of their second child, a son they named Russell. Russell and his older brother, Ron, were very close all of their lives; from best friends to business partners, they did everything together.

Russell's father was a business owner of a clothing store in Plainwell, and in 1917 he relocated an old bee house to his Pine Lake property and added on to it several times to fit the whole Pell family. Later he traded a suit of clothes for a piece of property adjacent to their cottage. Over the years, this was the gathering spot for their family reunions, which left many happy and indelible memories with everyone. As a young adults, Russell and Ron gave boat shows on the lake, and he and Ron even won the National Championship Power Boat Competition in 1932. They also built a canoe together that is still in the family today.

Russell received his education in the Plainwell area schools, and excelled in sports as a football player and Captain of the track team. In fact, Russell won the Class C State Record in shot put. Soon after graduating from Plainwell High in 1927, Russell and his brother, Ron, went into business together as co-owners of The Plainwell Canning Company. A few years later, Russell met a lovely young lady named Ethlyn Stevens, who worked in their factory. The two were set up on a blind date, and ended up being spectators at a Dance-A-Thon, while fellow employees sat behind them and teased them. Russell and Ethlyn fell hopelessly in love and were happily married on January 28, 1937. After saying "I do," the newlyweds bought their first and only house on Thomas Street in Plainwell, and it was here they happily raised their two children: Jerrilyn and Steve.

After enjoying a fulfilling career, Russell was finally able to retire and enjoy the relaxation he so greatly deserved. He and Ethlyn had a wonderful marriage and did everything together. They especially loved being world travelers. As an amazing amateur photographer, Russell was able to capture all of their adventures on film and then turned them into slide shows, which they put on view at local organizations. Another of Russell's passions was restoring old Model T Fords and taking them on road trips across the country. Over the years, he had 4 different Model Ts, which he drove on a 2,500-mile tour of Alaska, a snow tour of Pike's Peak, a tour of Australia and also drove one in a re-enactment of the 1909 New York to Seattle race. If that wasn't amazing enough, Russell and Ethlyn was in their 70s when they undertook these adventures (age was only a number to them). Russell was 97 when his last Model T caught fire, and he went out and bought the salvage of it and once again restored it to its former beauty. In conjunction with their passions, Russell and Ethlyn were members of the Tin Lizzies Travelers, the Ford Model T Club International, and the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club. Russell was also a very patriotic man, and did his civil duty by voting in every election.

Although Russell's life was happy, it was marked by sorrow. After his beloved wife Ethlyn suffered a stroke, Russell was vigilant in her care for 13 years until she passed away in 2007. About 4 years ago, Russell began to slow down and eventually moved in with his son, Steven. However, he still kept his home on Thomas St. that he and Ethlyn shared over 70 years of memories in.

Russell Pell will always be remembered as a hardworking man who loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed.

Russell Pell, age 101 passed away in Plainwell, MI on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Learn more about Russ, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends on Friday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (658-5881). A funeral service will take place at the same location at 12:00 noon following the visitation.

Russ' family includes his two children: Steve (Patricia) Pell, and Jerrilyn (Ernie) Sunnerville; grandchildren: Bret (Paula) Sunnerville, Laura (Joe) Martinez, Sue (Tracy) McConnell, Mike (Tracy) Harrington and Kecia (Joe) Bronson, and 14 great grandchildren.

Please visit Russ' memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home.

  Events

• He appeared on the census in 1930 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. He lived in the household of his parents.

• He appeared on the census in 1940 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. He was head of household and owned property valued at $3,000.

• He had a residence in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan.

Edward married Ethlynn Lucia Stevens, daughter of Paul Melvin Stevens and Bernice F. Beals, 28 January 1937 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan. (Ethlynn Lucia Stevens was born 6 September 1915 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine,^272,6590 died 16 October 2007 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan ⁶⁵⁹⁰ and was buried after 16 October 2007 in Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan at Hillside Cemetery.)