Loretta T. "Laura" Russell

Loretta T. "Laura" Vesco Russell, 98, of Virginia Beach, Virginia and formerly of New Philadelphia died Thursday, January 22, 2015.

Born April 27, 1916 in Rosedale, Ohio she was a daughter of the late Martin and Pierina Della Maestra Vesco. Laura was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Russell on October 5, 1973; daughter, Jayne Anne Kramer and five brothers and sisters, Angelina, Elizabeth, Kamel, Leo and Don.

Laura was well known in the community having served on Barnhill City Council for years, and was a life-long active member of the Democratic Party. She worked for Frownfelters and Stevenson's Grocery Stores for 20 years, at Walmart as a Greeter, and as a real estate agent with Barnett Realtors. During World War II she worked at the Universal Sewer Pipe Plant #1 in Uhrichsville. Laura was an active volunteer as a grandma teaching assistant at Midvale Elementary was a Gray Lady at Union Hospital, and she also served on the Altar Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She also attended and volunteered at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Midvale. Laura received the Gertrude Donahey Award for her contribution and service to the Democratic Party and was honored as the Grand Marshall for the Midvale Parade in 2008. Laura was a lifelong avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and was a very compassionate and loving person, mother and grandmother. She was admired and respected by many in the community.

Laura is survived by her son, Raymond Russell of Virginia Beach; two grandchildren, Lori Russell Montross and Carin Russell White; three great grandchildren Hailey Russell, Kyle Montross, and Brooke White, all of Virginia Beach, VA, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Fr. Jeff Coning officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends can call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Laura may do so by visiting the online obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.