Lavern Ann Russell

On December 28th, 2023, our beloved mother, Lavern Ann Russell passed away peacefully. Mom was born in Parker Arizona on April 13th, 1951, she was a part of the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangel Clan) Tsenjikini (Cliff Dwellers People) Tsenaajini (Black Steak Clan) Kinlichiinii (Red House Clan).

Her journey of love began when she met and married Glenn Russell. Shortly after Glenn and Lavern were married, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where they would celebrate 51 years of marriage and raise six wonderful children who were her pride and joy. She is survived by her children: Lynn Russell, Kimberly (husband Tony), Cherlynn (husband Nathan), Samantha (husband Shawn), and her loving son Stephen Russell. As well as her siblings; Don Shepard, Andrew Shepard, Jennifer Hosteen, Jasper Noaph, Kathleen Collins, Beverly Harrison, Raymond Nopah, Victoria Nopah, and Sherile Nopah. Mom was also a proud grandmother to Jordan (wife Madison), Quinton Medina, Domitrie (wife Tiara), Dylon Wall, Elaina (husband Francisco), Grace Russell, Kalia Russell, Madilyn Davis, Charlie Russell, Noah Davis, Elijah Davis, and her five adorable great grandbabies. She loved being a grandmother, providing endless love, guidance, and support along with hugs and kisses.

Some of the thing’s mom enjoyed was drinking her morning coffee with dad and Stephen, watching her local news, and of course listening to “The King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presley. One of her accomplishments was our family trip to Memphis Tennessee to visit Graceland, we will never forget watching her trying to climb over the Graceland wall. Mom loved music, when we were young, she would wake us up in the morning to loud music and dancing. These are memories we will cherish.

Among her many passions mom loved bringing family, friends, and neighbors together, she enjoyed hearing everyone’s laughter flourish. Mom also filled our home will delicious aromas whenever she cooked making sure everyone was always fed. This is what made her smile. Mom was also a loving mother to many other children she would watch and raise over the years; she would call them all her kids and they would all call her mom.

Mom wanted to ensure her family was safe, healthy, and happy. Along with her warm heart she was a supportive and inspirational person, others would look up to her for advice and she was always happy to help in any way she could. Mom was always strong for her family through love and prayer. With heavy hearts our mother will be missed but many of her memories will always be with us. One thing mom said before her passing was “take care of each other.”

Mom is preceded in death by her mother Thelma Nopah and her father’s Lloyd Nopah and Edward Shepard, her daughter Michelle Russell, and her sister Jeanette Nopah.

Although our family mourns the loss of our beloved mother, we are taking comfort knowing she is at peace, and we will carry her name, traditions, and memories forward while sharing them with others.

We will always love you momma.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, January 6th from 10:00 until 12:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT.  Graveside Service will follow at 1:00 PM Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street. 

If you would like to help the family with paying for the funeral services please contact Starks Funeral Parlor to make a payment under Laverne Russell's account by Thursday January 4th.