Mary Ruby Russell

Mary Ruby Russell

Mary Ruby Russell, 86, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on January 3, 2025, at Oakwood Manor in Vidor. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at First Christian Church of Orangefield in Orangefield. Officiating will be Ministers Michael Sullivan and David Garison. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on January 4, 1938, she was the daughter of Elzie Shepherd and Ruby Shepherd (Boutte). She was a devoted homemaker, taking pride in nurturing both her family and those she chose to call family. Known as "Grandma" by many, she brought warmth and love into the lives of everyone around her. Mary had a passion for cooking, famously making the best gumbo in the world. Her talents extended to sewing, as well as baking, as she loved making and decorating wedding and birthday cakes. Mary had played the piano since she was 14, filling her home with music and joy. A proud member of the First Christian Church of Orangefield, she was a pillar of her community, where she volunteered at nursing homes and offered her support to those in need. Mary will be remembered fondly for her generosity, her delicious meals, and the love she spread to all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elzie and Ruby Shepherd; and sister, Eleanor McCarver.

She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, R.C. Russell; children, Ronnie Russell and wife Mandy, Jeanette Gassett and husband Greg Deuschle, Natalie King and husband Gary; grandchildren, Andrew King, Ryan Gassett and wife Bridget, and Thomas King; great grandchildren, Daniel Garcia, Luke Gassett, Layla Watters, and Noah Watters; brother, Walter Shepherd and wife Dot; niece, Mary Jane McCarver; numerous other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew King, Ryan Gassett, Thomas King, Greg Deuschle, Leroy White, and Ronnie Russell.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to IDES International at www.ides.org.