Opal P. Russell

WAUNTEA -- Opal P. Russell, 88, of Benkelman, died Wednesday (April 24, 2002) at Heritage of Wauneta.

She was born July 10, 1913, to Joseph Ferdinand and Emma Fredericka Wilamina (Behlke) Paul at their home in the Indian Creek Precinct in Dundy County. She was a member of the graduating class at Benkelman High School in 1931.  On Oct. 19, 1947, she married George Delbert Russell at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Otis, Colo. They farmed north of Benkelman. She lived there until July of 1999 when she moved to Imperial Manor in Imperial.  In September 1999, she moved to Heritage of Wauneta.

She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Delbert.  Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be Saturday, 2 p.m. MDT at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation is today, 1-5 p.m. MDT at Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. At her request, the casket will remain closed.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.