Vera Heath Russ, age 89, of Kelly died peacefully on Monday, January 14, 2008 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 1, 1918 in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Carey Livingston and Lenna Mae Lashley Heath. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty-five years, Lee Roy Russ; daughter, Shirley Ray Russ; sister, Mable Peterson and brother, Elvin Ray Heath.

Mrs. Russ was a long-time faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. In the Kelly Community Vera was very active in many capacities and contributed greatly to the betterment of the community.

Surviving are her loving family: son, Bobby Lee Russ of Kelly; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Eddie Ridenhour of Kelly; grandchildren, Jacqueline Collier and her husband, Haywood, and Charlie Ridenhour; great granddaughters, Jessica Collier, Amy Collier and Crystal Collier; sisters, Pat Hargrove, Mattie Settlemeyer and Myrtle Bigford all of Riegelwood; brothers, Forrest Heath of Wilmington, Jimmy Heath of Leland and Clayton Heath of Riegelwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Kelly, NC with The Rev. Leonard Sheppard, The Rev. Dean Morton and The Rev. Jack Miller officiating.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Memorial gifts may be given to Garden of Memories Cemetery Fund, C/O Eddie Ridenhour, 312 Natmore Rd., Kelly, NC 28448.

The family of Mrs. Russ would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. William Eakins, Dr. Douglas Testori and the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter for the excellent care, loving concern and emotional support that was given to Vera and to them during Vera's illness.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.