Lillian Mary Elizabeth Russell

Lillian Russell age 90, of Aztec, New Mexico passed away on November 10th, 2023, at her home in Aztec.
Lillian was born on March 21, 1933, to James Elsworth Allen and Lillian Olson Johnson in Marvel, Colorado. Grandpa James and Grandma Lily had fifteen children in nineteen years with Momma being the fifteenth to be born. She enjoyed being the baby.  
On August 28, 1954, she married Gene Wright Russell in Aztec, New Mexico. Nine years later, Lucinda Lourie Russell was born on November 21, 1963, in Farmington, New Mexico.
Lillian spent time as a waitress in local restaurants in Aztec and Bloomfield. Miss Lily also worked at Sam’s Club as a Food Demonstrator. She made many friends while working and spoke of them with love and laughter.
Lillian had many interests through the years but the one that stayed with her was her love to crochet. She called it “tyin’ knots” and she would tie those knots watching tv in a darkroom and rarely missed a beat! Hundreds of blankets were made and given to friends, family, doctors, nurses, etc.
If you were ever blessed enough to sit down for an excellent home cooked meal at her table, you didn’t walk away hungry. Her heart was that everyone ate well and would come back again.  While feeding friends and family, mom’s prankster self would show up serving micro portions with larger than life utensils. She would pour a cup of coffee in the smallest tea set cup she had. These and many other games and giggles were staples in our lives. The laughs never ended.  
Lillian was lovingly nicknamed “Gramcracker” by Delaney and it didn’t take long that we all began calling her Gramcracker. Lillian loved her daughter, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren so very much. She will be greatly missed.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, fourteen brothers and sisters, her husband Gene Russell, her best friends Geneva Richardson and Billye Deck. She is survived by her daughter, Lucinda L. Bryan (Bruce), Granddaughter, Daesa P. Bougeant (Jean), great grandchildren, Elisabeth, Avery, Albert and Nicolas Bougeant, Granddaughter Delaney R. Bryan and Granddaughter Deidre L. Bryan and numerous nieces and nephews. 
A private graveside service is planned. 
Special Prayers and Thanks go out to: Delaney Bryan and Deidre Bryan who stood as Mom’s companions and caretakers. Daesa Bougeant, who supported her sisters and grandmother with whatever task was at hand to accomplish. I know Gramcracker held you in love and in the highest regard. Doug and Patti Turner (nephew) & Heather and Rick Roscoe (niece) for their support through prayer and conversation. Deon Brown, who took care of all mom’s insurance needs. Basin Home Health Hospice, without whom we would not have managed as well. Their compassion, professionalism and personal touches meant the world to us. To my husband Bruce who has watched over me and supported me these thirty-four years and loves me still. Thanks, and love to you all.