Lila Russell

Lila Russell, 86, of Melcher-Dallas, passed away at her home surrounded by family on
Saturday, June 7, 2025. A graveside service for Lila and James Russell, with military
burial honors for James, will be held Wednesday, June 11th, at 3:30 p.m. at the Dallas
Cemetery. Following the graveside service a celebration of life gathering will be held
from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas.
Memorials may be made to the Melcher-Dallas Fire Department.
Lila was born on February 5, 1939, to her parents Ed and Iona Ohnemus. She grew up
around Pleasantville, Iowa, where she also attended school. A school dance is also
where Lila met the love of her life, James William Russell.
On October 14, 1958, James and Lila said, “I do”. They were later blessed in life with
three children: Deborah E., James W. Jr., and James E. In their lifetime, Lila worked in
her and James Hardware store, EDS in Des Moines, Iowa, Dollar General, and was
also considered a homemaker.
In Lilas free time, she loved spending time with her grandkids, Jacob and Kyle. When
she wasn’t with her grandkids, she enjoyed watching TV, being outside getting fresh air,
shopping and painting. Her favorite time of year was Christmas time, any opportunity to
spend time with family and friends, she took.
Lila was preceded in death by her husband, James Russell in 2020; daughter, Debbie
Russell; infant son, James W. Russell Jr.; siblings: Darrel Ohnemus and Marjorie
Wilson; and parents: Ed and Iona Ohnemus.
She will be greatly missed by her son, Jim (Patty) Russell; grandsons: Jacob and Kyle;
sister, Shirley Stephenson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.