In Memory Of
Ruth S. Russell
1918
2016
Ruth S. Russell
June 14, 1918 — December 14, 2016
ALBANY – Ruth S Russell, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2016.
Ruth was born on June 14, 1918 in Wilson, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Lucious and Martha Speight.
After graduating from high school, she attended a three year nursing school in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1941 she graduated from nursing school and went to work at an African American hospital in Florida. Then Ruth, along with four other black nurses, went to Tuskegee, Alabama Air Force Base to care for the original Tuskegee Airman in a small base hospital. Later Ruth studied for her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and completed her degree at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York in 1951. While at college studying the history of Nursing, she saw a picture of herself and four other nurses from Tuskegee Alabama Air Force Hospital cited in the text book as the nurses who cared for the original Tuskegee Airman. She did not realize while at Tuskegee that she was making history.
While in Tuskegee, she met her future husband, Trent, Sr., who was a biologist that worked in the Base's Laboratory. She married in 1948 and had a son, Trent Jr.
In 1970, she started teaching at Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing and retired in 1985.
Ruth volunteered her time at the Senior Center at Grace Methodist Church, in Nassau, NY, making heart shaped pillows for Albany Medical Center's Cardiac Unit and also knitted warm clothing for the less fortunate. Ruth volunteered in the STAR Program in the East Greenbush School District helping children with their academics. She was former President of the Albany District Links.
Ruth is survived by her son, Trent (Vern) Russell, Jr., and grandchildren, Erica Whitney, Rachel and Dinah; her sister-in-law- Sadie Speight; two (2) great grandchildren Tamika and Montell Whitney; a great-great granddaughter, Stella Whitney, and many loving nieces, and nephews. Ruth is predeceased by Trent Russell, Sr. (Husband), two sisters and four brothers.
Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Immediately following the calling hours, the funeral services will be held. The interment will be at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, in Saratoga at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to the Disabled Veterans.
Ruth was born on June 14, 1918 in Wilson, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Lucious and Martha Speight.
After graduating from high school, she attended a three year nursing school in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1941 she graduated from nursing school and went to work at an African American hospital in Florida. Then Ruth, along with four other black nurses, went to Tuskegee, Alabama Air Force Base to care for the original Tuskegee Airman in a small base hospital. Later Ruth studied for her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and completed her degree at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York in 1951. While at college studying the history of Nursing, she saw a picture of herself and four other nurses from Tuskegee Alabama Air Force Hospital cited in the text book as the nurses who cared for the original Tuskegee Airman. She did not realize while at Tuskegee that she was making history.
While in Tuskegee, she met her future husband, Trent, Sr., who was a biologist that worked in the Base's Laboratory. She married in 1948 and had a son, Trent Jr.
In 1970, she started teaching at Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing and retired in 1985.
Ruth volunteered her time at the Senior Center at Grace Methodist Church, in Nassau, NY, making heart shaped pillows for Albany Medical Center's Cardiac Unit and also knitted warm clothing for the less fortunate. Ruth volunteered in the STAR Program in the East Greenbush School District helping children with their academics. She was former President of the Albany District Links.
Ruth is survived by her son, Trent (Vern) Russell, Jr., and grandchildren, Erica Whitney, Rachel and Dinah; her sister-in-law- Sadie Speight; two (2) great grandchildren Tamika and Montell Whitney; a great-great granddaughter, Stella Whitney, and many loving nieces, and nephews. Ruth is predeceased by Trent Russell, Sr. (Husband), two sisters and four brothers.
Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Immediately following the calling hours, the funeral services will be held. The interment will be at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, in Saratoga at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to the Disabled Veterans.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth S. Russell, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
9:30 - 10:30 am (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
Service
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Starts at 10:30 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
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