Swansboro - Maxine "Max" Russell, 87, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Onslow Memorial Hospital.  She was born February 13, 1933 in Bancroft, IA.  Max was the devoted wife of the late, LtCol (Ret) William Earl "Bill" Russell and the daughter of the late, Lawrence and Agnes Menke.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Seaside Memorial Park with Father Don Baribeau officiating.

Maxine was a nationally known and respected artist.  She was born with Spina Bifida leaving her with limited mobility but enabling her the opportunity to discover a natural tendency toward creativity and artistic talent.  Her original decorative paintings and beautiful hand painted gift bags were a cornerstone of her family owned and operated shops in downtown Swansboro.  The historic buildings including Russell's Olde Tyme Shoppe, were renovated by the Russell family following Bill's retirement from the USMC when the family chose to call Swansboro home.

She is survived by daughter, Mary Russell Witham (JC) of Fort Myers, FL; sons, William Earl Russell II (Lori) of Lynchburg, VA, David Lawrence Russell (Shannon) and Gregory Grant Russell both of Swansboro; grandchildren, Russell Witham (Michele), Ryan Witham, Hailey Russell, William Earl Russell III, Justin Russell, Isla Russell, Elle Marie Russell, and Grant Lawrence Russell; sister, Betty Ann Cooper (Don) of Port Ludlow, WA; and a nephew, Eric Cooper of Poulsbo, WA.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Mildred Catholic Church or to the Swansboro Historical Association.