Eva Russell, 80, lifelong resident of Benkelman, passed away May 2, 2026, at Wauneta Care and Therapy Center in Wauneta.

Eva was born July 19, 1945, at the Morehouse Hospital in Benkelman to Henry & Esther (Kuhlman) Krug. She grew up on a farm in northwest Kansas. She enjoyed the baby calves and dressing her cat in doll’s clothes to push around the farm in a stroller. She did not really enjoy gathering eggs or milking cows.

She attended a country school through the 8th grade. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1962 and attended McCook Community College. On April 16th, 1967, she married Jim Russll in Benkelman, NE. Jim and Eva were blessed with two children, Angie and Carol.

Eva enjoyed working at the Benkelman Post and for Ross Drulinger, attorney at law, but her true passion in life was being a Mom and Grandma. Eva was a devoted mother, grandmother and cherished friend. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, reading and quilting. She taught her girls to bake and sew. She helped them with many 4-H clothing and baking projects. She made numerous quilts, wall hangings, table runners and various other craft items.

She and some quilting friends enjoyed the Nebraska Quilt Shop Hop and went for several years. Eva enjoyed her flower garden but never felt she had a green thumb like her Grandma Louise with whom she was very close. She was never too busy for her grandchildren; it might have been a last-minute call for a babysitter or an impromptu shopping trip. Jim and Eva traveled countless miles to watch Trevor and Emily in all their school and extracurricular activities.

Eva was known for her kindness and quiet strength. She found joy in life’s simple moments-time spent with family, shared laughter and the comfort of home.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Jim, her daughters and their spouses: Angie (Bill) Teter of Bartley, Carol (Ryan) Cornelius of Grant. Two grandchildren: Trevor and Emily Cornelius of Grant.

Funeral Service to be held at 10:00 A.M. (MT) Friday, May 8th, 2026 at Benkelman Memorial Chapel 205 Buffalo St. Benkelman, with Pastor Gary Hunt officiating. Viewing to be held one hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, NE.