Mary Margaret Russell

Mary Margaret Russell, 96, of Edmond, Oklahoma, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on May 25, 2026. Margaret was born Dec. 2, 1929, in Oklahoma City to Helen and Lloyd C. Boatright. After graduating from Classen High School, she attended Oklahoma A&M College (OSU) and then earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Central State College (UCO) in 1950. Margaret married Gene Russell in 1950 and raised three children.

Margaret used her education in her volunteer ministry in church nurseries at First Baptist Church in Norman, Oklahoma, where she supervised their large nursery and preschool program, as well as at churches she later attended in Missouri and Oklahoma. In Edmond she conducted the preschool for many years in the International Friendship program.

Margaret had a warm personality and became a faithful friend to many. She enjoyed homemaking, country-style decorating, and sewing for her granddaughters. She loved spending time with her family in the area, especially her sister Ditty and her niece Jinger. She lived to be the much-beloved matriarch of a large, extended family.

Margaret and Gene were founding members of Faith Bible Church in Edmond where she enjoyed rich fellowship and ministered in many positions. Margaret lost her loving husband of more than 50 years when he died in 2001. Margaret especially asked that we say that she is now at home in heaven, not because of character or accomplishments, but because of the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Mildred “Ditty” Tuepker and husband Gilbert; brother Lloyd Boatright and wife Harriette; and brother Peter Boatright and wife Frances. She is survived by her son David Russell (Joyce) of Ames, Iowa; daughter Diana Piazza (John) of Alamo, California; daughter Kelly Simpson (Edward) of San Francisco; grandchildren John Russell (Jennifer Kalafut) of Oakland, California; Mary Bede Russell of Iowa City; Madeleine Gold (Dylan) of Oklahoma City; Clark Van Winkle (Gillian) of Brooklyn, New York; and Matt Van Winkle (Mallorie) of Bondurant, Iowa; great-grandchildren Ben and Lewis Russell, Eisley and Lynley Van Winkle, and Bridget Van Winkle; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Service at 2:30 pm, Friday, June 5, 2026, Faith Bible Church in Edmond. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Bible Church Missionary Fund.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” 
Ephesians 2: 8-9