April 11, 1924 – April 16, 2023
Our sweet Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister and Friend, Nona LaVern Hatfield Russell passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 16 th, 2023 surrounded by her family. We felt very fortunate to celebrate her 99 th birthday just 5 days before her passing.
Nona was born April 11, 1924 in Eureka, Utah, she was one of nine children born to Mary Fidelia Koyle and Lawrence Hatfield. She was preceded in death by 7 of her siblings, Lawrence Leon Hatfield, Mary Louise Hatfield Christensen, Koyle Hatfield, ReVerl Hatfield, Richard Hatfield, Larry Dale Hatfield, and Evelyn Beth Hatfield and survived by her youngest brother Dee Clark Hatfield. Nona grew up in Springville, Utah and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She accepted important church callings including relief society president and young women’s president. Nona married our father, Earl Maberin Russell in Birmingham, Alabama on her birthday April 11, 1946. Their marriage blessed them with 6 children: Deon Smith (Derek), Deann Fowler (Ken), Earl Russell Jr (Roberta), Dennis Russell, Marian Mason (Chris), James Russell (Nichole). Nona and Earl were blessed with 21 Grandchildren, 44 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
Our family is forever shaped by the person she was. We learned the meaning of hard work and the value of reaching for the stars. After our father passed away, our mother showed her strength, resilience and independence while raising her children. Her courage was truly remarkable, with 6 children that possessed her strong will, we did not make it easy on her. We always knew we were loved even when she was disciplining us for one of the many times we stepped out of line. One of her secrets was keeping us busy, her adventurous spirit was one of the things we loved most about her. We will cherish the memories we have of her planning breakfast cookouts up in the mountains, taking us on camping trips, ice fishing, canning fruits, and vegetables for days on end, or sewing drapes and wedding dresses. Her talents had no end.
Mom had a saying and song for every occasion, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She made the most amazing meals and baked items; dinner rolls, Christmas cookies, brownies, pies, and big fluffy cinnamon rolls were some of our favorites. She always stood up for what she believed. She certainly had strong opinions on many topics and was not shy about sharing them. There was truly nothing she wouldn’t try or couldn’t do.
Our mom will be dearly missed. We are proud to carry on the legacy that she started. We are inspired by the person she was and the influence she had on so many of us. Until we see you again, we love you Grandma Nonie. Nona will be buried alongside her husband at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah. Services will be held at Spring Creek Mortuary.
Condolences can be offered at www.springcreekmortuary.com.
