Charles “Bud” Russell

December 6, 1934  –  November 1, 2023

Obituary
Bud Russell peacefully passed away with his children by his side at Fairchild Medical Center on November 1, 2023; he was 88 years old.

Bud and his twin sister, Charlotte, were born in Yreka on December 6, 1934. Bud was the fourth of five children born to Claude Hovey Russell and Violet May Brooks Russell.

The Russell family first came to Yreka during the late 1800s. Bud’s grandfather, James Buchanan “JB” Russell started the JB Russell and Sons Monument Company, which was operated by Bud’s father until 1945. Many of the early headstones and grave markers in local cemeteries were crafted by JB Russell and his sons. JB built the stone archway that still sits at the entrance to the Yreka Park (Miner Street Park) in 1921. The Yreka Enrichment Fund committee is currently working to restore the archway for future generations.

Bud started working at the Purity Market while still in high school. He later went to work for Safeway until about 1982. After leaving Safeway, he worked for his brother, Harvey, at the SY Auto Supply/Napa Store until he retired.

Bud married his high school sweetheart Jackie Frenick on June 19, 1955. Their marriage lasted 18 years. Together they had three children, Donna (David) Jerden of Medford, Patricia (Gary) Walker of Cottonwood, and Donald (Cheri) Russell of Red Bluff. Bud is also survived by eight grandchildren, Katie (Brian), April (Justin), Jason (Tori), Kerri (Michael), Kristi, Ryan (Crystal), Zachary (Ashley), and Dylan; as well as eight great grandchildren, Abigail, Evelyn, Asher, Elianna, Haille, Joshua, Caiden, and Zoe, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Harvey Russell, Barbara Hailey, Charlotte Krout, and Blanch VanBuskirk, as well as his partner for the past 20+ years, Margaret Charlotte Kerr.

One of Bud’s favorite activities was bowling, where he made many cherished friends. Anyone who has bowled at the Yreka bowling alley in the past 65 years probably knew him.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Fairchild Medical Center for the compassion and care for Dad and us during his final days.

A private burial will be held at the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery at a yet to be determined date.

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