Clarice E. Russell, formerly of Redfield, KS, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 90, in Fort Scott, Kansas, due to natural causes. Born on October 19, 1935, in Mapleton, Kansas, Clarice was the embodiment of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith.

Clarice was the daughter of Alvin and Lucy Needham. She attended Blue Mound High School. After graduation, Clarice worked as a dental assistant for Dr. C.M. Cooper before her marriage.

In her personal life, Clarice married her late husband, Paul V. Russell, on June 9, 1957. They shared 61 years together before Paul’s death in 2018, most of those years spent on their farm near Redfield. She transitioned gracefully into her role as a farm homemaker, a title she wore with pride and joy. Clarice was a loving mother to Curtis Russell and his wife Susan of Sugar City, Colorado, and to Marsha Tucker and her husband Ken of Terre Haute, Indiana. She was grandma to Jason Russell of Caddo Valley, Arkansas, Chad Russell of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Russell Tucker of Indiana, as well as two great grandchildren.

Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, her brothers Arthur and Keith Needham, and her sister Patty Williamson. She is survived by her sisters Hazel Kuhn of Raymore, Missouri, and Helen Long of Fort Scott, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A lifelong Christian, Clarice’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher since her high school years. Her commitment to her faith extended to her deep involvement with the Mt. Orum Baptist Church.

Known for her angel food cakes, Clarice’s baking was a staple at church events and family gatherings. Clarice’s passion for gardening was evident in the large vegetable garden she tended annually, with much of the excess produce shared with family, friends and neighbors. She was also a 4-H leader for the Hiattville 4-H Club and a member of the Family and Community Education (FCE) organization.

Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.

Pastor Waylon Ingle will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 15th at the Mount Orum Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mount Orum Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Mount Orum Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com